Considering GT or ASPIRE Testing?

Wondering whether your child might need a different level of academic challenge? Understanding the services available can help you decide whether to submit a referral for Gifted and Talented (GT) or ASPIRE testing.

Dates for Currently Enrolled Students

What is the difference between GT and ASPIRE?

GCISD offers GT services and supports through several programs. 

GT services

Services vary by grade level:

• Elementary: GT LEAD pull-out services and placement in cluster classrooms with GT-trained teachers at each elementary campus.
• Middle school: GT World Discoveries in English language arts and social studies, with optional GT Independent Study.
• High school: GT Advanced and AP courses in core subjects at Colleyville Heritage and Grapevine High Schools.

ASPIRE Academy

ASPIRE serves highly gifted students who need significant changes to the depth, complexity, and pace of their learning, along with support for their social and emotional needs.

The academy operates as a school within a school at Glenhope Elementary, Cross Timbers Middle School, and Grapevine High School. Students take designated academic classes while participating in electives, extracurricular activities, and campus life.

What might families notice?

Your child may learn quickly with little repetition, ask unusually thoughtful questions, make unexpected connections, or explore subjects of interest in great depth. These characteristics can be worth discussing with your child’s teachers, even when classroom performance does not consistently reflect their abilities.

Giftedness looks different from one student to another. Students can also be gifted and have a disability. Advanced abilities and areas of difficulty can exist together.

How does identification work?

A referral begins the consideration process. It does not guarantee identification or placement.

GCISD’s process includes referral, screening, and placement. A campus committee reviews multiple sources of information, including aptitude and achievement measures, parent and teacher input, and other assessments. At the secondary level, grades and a student perception survey are also considered.

Identification is based on multiple measures. A single test score should not be interpreted as an automatic qualification.

Read GCISD’s GT identification information

Not Currently Enrolled in GCISD?

GCISD has a separate ASPIRE testing process for students who are not currently enrolled. District residency is not required to apply for testing.

This process includes an interest form, qualifying prior test results, an application for students accepted for testing, and a non-refundable testing fee. The enrolled-student referral dates and Skyward instructions above do not describe this separate process.

Check the district’s page and confirm current dates with GCISD Advanced Academics before applying.

View ASPIRE testing information for students not currently enrolled

Questions About Your Child’s Situation?

If your child is already identified as GT, has previously tested, needs testing accommodations, or you are unsure which process applies, contact your campus GT specialist at the elementary level or campus counselor at the secondary level.

GCISD’s identification information states that students may test once per year during a designated testing window.

Information for the 2026–2027 testing cycle. Please refer to GCISD for updates, complete requirements, and questions about individual students.