Seattle Public Schools

Highly Capable Identification Timeline and Enrollment Process

Summary: HC Extended Enrollment Window and Update to the School Board on Community Engagement Findings

Highly Capable Information

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is committed to expanding equitable access to Highly Capable (HC) services across every region of our district. To support this work, we want to share important updates about the HC identification timeline and this year’s enrollment process.

HC Identification Timeline and Extended Enrollment Window
HC identification results for the 2026–27 school year will be released in early February. Because this timing occurs after the start of districtwide Open Enrollment, SPS is providing an extended enrollment window for all HC families—both current and newly identified—from Feb. 7 through Feb. 28. Late applications will also be accepted through March 31 to ensure families have ample time when making enrollment decisions.

We realize this year’s enrollment process is earlier than in previous years and does not fully align with the HC identification and planning cycle. We are working closely with the Enrollment Department to ensure HC families receive clear information and expanded flexibility.

Update to the School Board on Community Engagement Findings

On Jan. 21, the HC Department presented to the School Board, summarizing findings from the fall HC community engagement meetings. View the Highly Capable Community Engagement Findings Presentation.

Thank you for your patience, partnership, and continued advocacy. Visit the HC webpage for more information.

You may also be interested in

Image of a wall at Memorial Stadium with an arrow pointing to the student mural locations.

Call for Student Artists

SPS high school student artists are invited to participate in the Memorial Stadium Art Wall Program. Deadline to apply is Oct. 30.
Lowell Elementary Students With Doppler Seattle Storm Mascot

A Love of Reading Comes to Life at Lowell Elementary

Lowell Elementary students celebrated the joy of reading with Page Ahead, PEMCO and special guest Doppler, the Seattle Storm mascot.
Rainbow over Blaine

Celebrating Excellence: Catharine Blaine K-8 Recognized Among Washington’s Best

Catharine Blaine K-8 continues to shine as one of Washington's top-performing schools. Recent honors from U.S. News & World Report