<p>In our experience kids were put into the Gifted Program or the Highly Gifted Program based on their IQ scores and teacher input. I’m not sure this is the best way to identify because in my mind “giftedness” looks different from child to child - often it is much more than a score on a standardized test. However, we were more than grateful for the program - my son would have been miserable and bored without it. Of course the programs vary from school district to school district.</p>
<p>That being said, in our experience, there was no “are you gifted” on any of the school applications my son filled out. Yes, each school has a criteria for academic accomplishment/potential, but they are all looking for a well rounded, varied student body.</p>