Highly Capable Services
Highly Capable Pathway Schools
Check your school’s CSIP!
All Seattle Public Schools develop a Continuous School Improvement Plan (CSIP) that includes information about the specific ways that the school meets the needs of Highly Capable (HC) learners. HC services may vary by school, grade level, and students’ needs. HC identified students may choose to remain at their current school or attend a HC Pathway school.
2026-27 HC Pathway Elementary Schools
Neighborhood schools: Neighborhood schools offer an inclusive instructional program that aligns with SPS core instructional strategies, including Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Each neighborhood school’s CSIP describes how educators meet the needs of students.
Pathway Schools: Students attending pathway schools (Alki, Cascadia, Decatur, Rainier View and Thurgood Marshall) receive instruction using the district-approved curriculum, accelerated by two grades in mathematics and one grade in English Language Arts. In science and social studies, students benefit from differentiated instruction designed to meet their learning needs. Each pathway school’s CSIP details how acceleration and differentiation are implemented.
2026-27 HC Pathway Middle Schools
Neighborhood schools: In neighborhood middle schools, educators use differentiation and UDL strategies to meet the diverse academic needs of their students, including those identified as Highly Capable. All students have access to Compacted Math 7/8 in 7th grade, which enables students to enroll in Algebra in 8th grade, potentially reaching AP Calculus by 12th grade. Each school’s CSIP explains how educators meet the needs of students.
Pathway Schools: Pathway schools (Madison, Washington, Jane Addams, Hamilton, and Robert Eagle Staff) offer additional acceleration options, including Geometry in 8th grade for eligible students. Language Arts uses a cluster group model, with differentiation to ensure access to accelerated standards. Each pathway school’s CSIP outlines the ways that educators meet the needs of Highly Capable learners.
2026-27 HC Pathway High Schools
All students may enroll in advanced coursework at their high schools, including courses designated as honors, Advanced Placement (AP), Running Start, College in the High School, and International Baccalaureate (Chief Sealth, Ingraham, Rainier Beach HS only). Students, along with their academic counselor, plan their schedules, and will often take advantage of a combination of these opportunities.
Learn more about all the High School Advanced Placement Courses
Learn more about other high school dual credit course options
How to Exit HC Services
Students can exit from Highly Capable (HC) services if services are no longer appropriate. A meeting with the following attendees is required before this service delivery change.
- parent/guardian
- teacher
- administrator
- a representative from the Highly Capable Services Department
- the student (at parent/guardian discretion)