The Georgia Department of Education describes a gifted student as “one who demonstrates a high degree of intellectual and/or creative ability(ies), exhibits an exceptionally high degree of motivation, and/or excels in specific academic fields, and who needs special instruction and/or special ancillary services to achieve at levels commensurate with his or her abilities. The abilities manifest in a collection of traits, aptitudes, and behaviors that, when taken together, are indicative of gifted potential.” (2025-2026 Georgia DOE Resource Manual for Gifted Education Services, p. 34, April 2025)

Additionally, the Georgia Department of Education specifies that, “LBOE (local board of education) curricula for gifted students shall focus on developing cognitive learning, research and reference, and metacognitive skills at each grade grouping, using principles of differentiation, in one or more of the following content areas: mathematics, science, English/language arts, social studies, world languages, fine arts, and career, technical, and agricultural education ”. (2025-2026 Georgia DOE Resource Manual for Gifted Education Services, p. 10, April 2025).

Screening and Assessment 

Students are screened for possible gifted assessment each academic year. Full gifted assessment is initially offered in first grade and available to students in each subsequent grade. Since test scores are valid for two years, eligible scores can be used to meet eligibility criteria within that time frame. 

There are two methods of screening/referral for the assessment process:

  • Automatic Referral
    Students are automatically referred for gifted assessment based on an achievement score of 90th percentile or above on Fall, Winter, or Spring Star tests. (Due to the Museum School’s shift to Star testing in August of 2025, MAP scores ≥90th percentile within two years will also result in automatic referral.) The Museum School administers additional grade-wide screening to all first grade students utilizing data from the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test.
  • Reported Referral
    Students may also be referred for gifted assessment by teachers, caregivers, or others with knowledge of a student’s abilities. Caregivers may submit the Request for Gifted Assessment that is shared in grade-level newsletters prior to each cycle of gifted assessment.

Caregivers must complete a Consent for Evaluation form before students participate in full gifted assessment. Following testing, caregivers may schedule an assessment conference to discuss student scores. 

Eligibility Criteria

The requirements for identifying and placing students in gifted services are governed by Georgia Department of Education Rule 160-4-2-.38.

Data is collected in the categories of mental ability, achievement, creativity, and motivation during the assessment process. There are two ways of qualifying for gifted service: 

  • Option 1A: The student must have qualifying scores in the mental ability AND achievement categories:
    • Mental Ability: ≥99th percentile (K-2) or ≥96th percentile (3-12) composite score on a nationally age normed test of mental ability
    • Achievement: ≥90th percentile reading, math, or complete battery score on a nationally normed achievement test
  • Option 2B: The student must have qualifying scores in three of the four categories:
    • Mental Ability: ≥96th percentile composite OR appropriate component score on a nationally age normed test of mental ability.
    • Achievement: ≥90th percentile reading, math, or complete battery score on a nationally normed achievement test
    • Creativity: ≥90th percentile composite score on a nationally normed creativity test OR ≥90th percentile on a rating scale* used to qualify student creativity
    • Motivation: ≥90th percentile on a rating scale* used to qualify student motivation OR
      3.5 GPA (grades 6-12)

*A rating scale can only be used to establish eligibility in one area.

Eligibility for Transfer Students 

A student who met the initial eligibility criteria for gifted education services in another school district in Georgia is eligible to receive gifted education services when enrolled in The Museum School. There is no mandated reciprocity of gifted eligibility between states unless the student is a dependent of military personnel.

Continuation Policy 

After initial placement in gifted education services, a student continues to be eligible if they meet one of the following requirements:

Elementary 

  • Receive a score of Satisfactory in gifted resource class on the end-of-year quarterly report.

or

  • Meet grade-level standards in at least one subject area taught by a gifted-endorsed teacher on the end-of-year quarterly report. 

Sixth Grade

  • Receive a score of Satisfactory in gifted resource class on the end-of-year quarterly report.

or

  • Receive a score of 80% or above in at least one subject area taught by a gifted-endorsed teacher on the end-of-year quarterly report.  

Middle Grades (7th-8th)

  • Receive a score of 80% or above in at least one subject area taught by a gifted-endorsed teacher on the end-of-year quarterly report.  

Probationary Plan

If a student fails to meet the requirement for continuation, the student will be placed on probation for one semester. During the probationary period, student goals will be identified. At the end of the semester, a determination will be made based on progress towards these goals. If a student meets the identified goals, there will be no further probation. If the student does not meet the goals, probation will continue for an additional semester. After two consecutive semesters of probation without progress, the student will no longer be eligible for gifted services. To reenter the program the student must be reevaluated through the gifted referral process. Caregivers will receive a continuation policy each academic year.