Elementary GATE & Middle School Hi-Cap Programs
The Gifted and Talented Program at the elementary level and the Highly Capable Program at the middle school level identify academically accelerated third through eighth grade students who are intellectually advanced in their verbal/linguistic and mathematical/logical development. These programs meet the individual needs of students with accelerated learning needs. Advanced placement classes are available in the high schools.

Elementary Gifted Program

The Richland School District has a Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Program for students in grades three through five. It is housed at Lewis & Clark Elementary School. Goals of the GATE program are:

  • To provide opportunities for higher level thinking
  • To provide opportunities for interaction among peers with similar abilities
  • To develop an understanding of self and others
  • To provide learning opportunities designed to encourage individual growth

To qualify for the elementary GATE program, students are first tested. The GATE Selection Committee then reviews the test results in March and decides which students will be invited to participate in the program for the upcoming school year.

Here are some additional details on our selection criteria and timeline.

Criteria for Selection:

  • State guidelines for selection
  • NWEA (MAP) Reading and Math Tests 95%
  • Otis Lennon Mental Abilities Test - 90%
  • Standardized teacher rating scale

GATE Timeline:

  • Mid-February - Elementary counselors forward completed testing to GATE office
  • March - GATE selection committee meeting
  • Mid-March - Letters sent to students
  • Before Spring Break - tour
  • Before Spring Break - deadline for decision

    For more information, contact Marty Brewer, GATE Director, at (509) 967-6277, or by e-mail at marty.brewer@rsd.edu.


    Middle School Highly Capable Program

    The goal of the Hi-Cap program is to provide opportunities for higher-level thinking strategies, project-based learning and critical inquiry to our most capable middle school students.

    Advanced Science, Advanced Language Arts and Advanced Social Studies courses are offered at each grade level in all three Richland middle schools.

    For more information, contact Mike Johnson, Hi-Cap Director, at (509)967-6429, or by email at mike.johnson@rsd.edu.

    Click on the link below to view our Hi-Cap brochure.