High School Highly Capable Referral

Referrals for High School Highly Capable Services

Seattle Public Schools is committed to supporting the goals and potential of every student. At the high school level, SPS offers a wide range of course pathways, program, and resources designed to help students explore their interests, challenge themselves academically, and prepare for college, careers, and life after graduation.

Course Opportunities for All High School Students

All SPS high school students, with or without a Highly Capable designation, may enroll in advanced learning options, including:

Honors
Advanced Placement (AP)
International Baccalaureate (Chief Sealth, Ingraham, Rainier Beach HS only)
Running Start
College in High School courses

For more details about the courses available at high school, visit

High School, Postsecondary, and Career Planning

Highly Capable Services Referral Process

The Highly Capable eligibility referral process for students in grades 9-11takes place from March 9-31, 2026

High School students can be referred by themselves, parents/guardians/teaching staff, and community members submitting a referral form between March 9-31, 2026
The Highly Capable Services department will gather and evaluate available student educational records

Highly Capable Referral Forms

The referral forms will be available March 9 – March 31, 2026

English Highly Capable Referral Form

High School Students Eligibility and Appeals Timeline 2026

Referral process for High School

March 9-31

Referral window for students in 9^th-11^th

April 2026

Evaluation process for referred students
Eligibility decision letter on April 10, 2026
Parents/guardians provide consent for Highly Capable services
Parents/guardians can submit an appeal (April 24)
The Appeal Multidisciplinary Placement Committee will review each appeal and provide a written decision to parents/guardians within 25 school days of the receipt of the appeal form and all documentation/evidence