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Early Entrance

a young boy and girl learning with manipulatives

Early Entrance Applications are available for download below.

The Colorado Education of Exceptional Children Act (C.R.S. § 22.20-104.5) as amended in July 2008 provides early access to educational services for kindergarten and first-grade students to meet the unique needs of the highly advanced gifted child. It does not permit early access to all gifted 4 or 5-year-olds. Quality preschool programs will meet the needs of most gifted children. The child who may benefit from Early Access is academically gifted, socially and emotionally mature, in the top 2% of the gifted peer group, motivated to learn, and ready to begin school.

Parents or guardians start the process for Early Access to kindergarten by filling out the district's application (available below during the application window). This application includes samples of student's work in math, writing, and drawing. An Early Access Survey should be completed by the parent and preschool teacher or another adult who knows the child well.  

Early Access Process Overview

  • Step 1: Obtain and complete an application from The TSD Gifted Education Office.
  • Step 2:  Testing performed by district personnel. No fees for testing. Tests used include the Kaufman-Brief Intelligence Test, Test of Early Reading Ability, and Test of Early Math Ability.
  • Step 3:  Review of the portfolio by a designated review committee including a District Administrator, Gifted Education staff, and Early Childhood educators.
  • Step 4:  Notification of Early Access decision to parent/guardian and school.

Early Access Timeline for 2025-2026

Early Entrance Timeline
Portfolio Submission Due Date District Testing Window Begins Body of Evidence Review Notification of Determination  
April 1, 2025 April 2, 2025 May 1, 2025 May 2, 2025  

 

Early entrance to Kindergarten or first grade.pptx by Carol Swalley

Required documents for the 2025-2026 school year application window.

Documentos requeridos para el año escolar 2025-2026.