Each year, we give our K-4 students the opportunity to take the qualifying assessment for placement into the Individual Achievement (I.A.) Program. This year’s test for students in second through fourth grades will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2008 from 9:00-12:00 at Sunrise Elementary School. Kindergarten and first grade assessment will take place during regular school days. First grade students will be tested during the week of January 14 and kindergartners during the weeks of January 21st and January 28th.

The Individual Achievement Program is designed to meet the academic and social needs of gifted students with advanced learning abilities and interests. All students who participate in this program have qualified for admittance as a result of meeting the necessary standard on this assessment.

Enumclaw School District offers a full-time program for students who meet standard. This roughly represents about three percent of elementary student population. This full-time program is offered at Southwood Elementary in two classrooms: a first through third grade Primary Classroom and a fourth/fifth grade Intermediate Classroom. Our school district also offers a one-day per week program also held at Southwood Elementary. This two-component program provides students with enrichment and acceleration, focusing on critical and creative thinking skills.

Those interested in having their child assessed for the Individual Achievement Program, can sign up in the office of their child’s school beginning on December 3, 2007. The deadline for signing up kindergarten and first grade students will be January 4, 2008. The deadline for signing up second through fourth grade students will be January 25, 2008.