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Specialty Programs

QUEST (Highly Capable Program)

Highly capable children and youth perform or show potential to perform at remarkably high levels of accomplishments in one or more of the following areas:

  • Cognitive ability
  • Exceptional creativity
  • Achievement in specific academic fields

Highly capable students require a higher level of rigor, depth, breadth, or acceleration beyond the basic programs provided by the schools. Outstanding talents are present in children and youth from all cultural groups, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor.

Clustering Potential Classrooms: Grade 2

Clustering Potential Classrooms are available at each neighborhood school for students in second grade. Clustering Potential Classrooms are designed to recognize and nurture outstanding potential in young students. Research-based curriculum and strategies are used to develop knowledge, skills, and other behaviors that are indicative of giftedness.

QUEST Regional Program, Grades 3-6

Highly capable students in grades 3-6 find their unique learning needs addressed in regional classrooms located at one of eight host schools situated throughout the district. Specialized instruction and curriculum are designed to promote higher-level thinking and provide a variety of learning experiences to challenge students. Students gain a deep understanding of content and strengthen basic skills in a full-time, highly capable environment. Intellectual peers provide social interaction and motivation to excel.

Multiple criteria are used to determine eligibility in the QUEST Regional Program. The program uses assessment instruments to measure ability and achievement. Parent and teacher observation scales are used to document exceptional creativity. Additional data from state and district assessments are also considered. Applications for the QUEST Regional Program must be completed before testing can take place.

QUEST referrals and testing dates

Staff, parents, students, and community members can make student referrals to QUEST. Parents, students, and community members may download the Highly Capable Learners Application and Permission for Testing (pdf, 220kb). Staff may download the Teacher Evaluation (pdf, 46kb). These forms are also available at all elementary schools and online at the QUEST SWIFT TeacherWeb site.

Students interested in placement in this program are administered ability and achievement tests at Maplewood Elementary. Completed applications must be on file in the QUEST office before testing takes place.

Applications for testing are due by the following dates each year:

  • January 15
  • May 15
  • August 15
  • September 15

Notification of your testing date will arrive via U.S. Mail shortly after each of these deadlines.

For more information

For detailed information, including calendar, curriculum, testing, and resources, go to the QUEST Web site.
See Highly Capable Learners information in Spanish (pdf, 550kb).

Nancy R. Velazquez, QUEST Program Coordinator
428 11th Street SW
Puyallup, WA 98371-5706
Phone (253) 841-8751

Updated 3/18/10

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