Monroe School District – Highly Capable Program
Looking for Monroe School District’s Highly Capable or gifted program? This parent-friendly guide summarizes program options, referral timelines, assessments, and services for the 2026–2027 school year. Families should confirm current residency, enrollment, and referral requirements with Monroe.
It provides a simple overview of the Highly Capable program, including important timelines, screening process, and services available for students.
This page is for informational purposes only. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the official Monroe School District Highly Capable Program page .
The Highly Capable Program supports students who perform or show potential to perform at significantly advanced academic levels.
These students often learn quickly, think deeply, and benefit from more challenging and enriched learning experiences.
| Program | Grades | What It Means for Students |
|---|---|---|
| Cluster Model | K–5 |
Small group of highly capable students placed in a general classroom Teachers provide differentiated instruction and enrichment |
| Excel Program | 4–5 |
Self-contained classroom at Salem Woods Elementary Accelerated math and reading for highest-performing students |
Not all identified students are placed in the Excel Program. Students not selected continue receiving services through the Cluster Model.
| Stage | When | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Referral Window | Typically Fall / October-November | Grades K–1, 3, 5 |
| Universal Screening | Typical winter window | Grades 2 & 4 |
| Testing (NNAT) | Early December | All screened students |
| NNAT Results | December | Families notified |
| Eligibility Notification | Mid-February | Families notified |
| Appeals Window | Mid-Late February | Families notified |
| Service Notification | Mid March | Families notified |
| Permission Deadline | Late March | Families notified |
| Services Begin | Next School Year | Identified students |
Monroe School District uses a combination of assessments to evaluate students’ reasoning ability and academic performance.
| Assessment | What It Measures | Who Takes It |
|---|---|---|
| NNAT (Naglieri) | Nonverbal reasoning and problem-solving ability | Grades 2 & 4 (universal screening) and referred students in Grades K–1, 3, and 5 |
| i-Ready | Reading and math performance | Elementary students |
| SBA | State academic achievement | Grades 3–5 |
| Classroom Data | Teacher observations and student work | All students |
Multiple data points are reviewed together to determine eligibility.
Monroe School District uses multiple measures to identify students for Highly Capable services. As a parent preparation perspective, families may review math and language arts skills that are about one grade level above the student’s current grade, along with reasoning and creative thinking. This is preparation guidance, not an official Monroe qualification rule.
NNAT: Measures nonverbal reasoning and problem-solving skills using visual patterns and shapes, independent of language.
English / Reading: Emphasizes reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and the ability to clearly explain ideas and reasoning.
Math: Focuses on mathematical reasoning, number sense, and explaining thinking using multiple strategies.
Select your child’s current grade to view complete preparation materials for NNAT, English, and Math, including one grade above.
This page is a parent-friendly summary created for Elementary Explorer. It is not an official Monroe School District resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Monroe School District.
Program requirements, identification criteria, and timelines may change. Families should consult Monroe School District’s official Highly Capable webpage for the current 2026–2027 referral form, deadlines, testing schedule, eligibility requirements, and placement information.
Monroe School District – Highly Capable (Official)