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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 2026-2027

Early Access Timeline

 

Portfolio Submission Due Date

District Testing Window Begins

Body of Evidence Review by Committee

Notification calls and letters of acceptance sent to parent/guardians

For those residing in district prior to April 1, 2026

April 1, 2026 by noon

April 2, 2026

May 8, 2026

May 8, 2026

For those moving into the district between April and August 1, 2026

August 3, 2026 by noon

August 4, 2026

August 7, 2026

August 7, 2026

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

Giftedness in the Early Years image that links to youtube presentation by Cecelia Quintanilla

Giftedness in the Early Years presentation hosted by CAGT (Colorado Association for Gifted and Talented), presented by Cecilia Quintanilla - YouTube

Required documents for the 2026-2027 school year application window.

Documentos requeridos para el año escolar 2026-2027.