Jeffco Public Schools may grant early entrance to school for highly advanced gifted children, with a body of evidence at or above the 97th percentile, who do not meet the age requirements outlined in Board Policy JEB.  

For the requirements of Early Access to Kindergarten and 1st grade, see JEFFCO BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY - IHBB.

Exceptional Children's Educational Act (ECEA) defines "Early Access" as:

Early entrance to kindergarten at age 4 or early entrance to first grade at age 5 for highly advanced gifted children who are placed in a grade level above other same aged peers based upon the following conditions:

  • the student is formally identified as gifted as specified in 12.01(16); and
  • the student meets requirements for accelerated placement as determined in an auditable body of evidence (e.g., achievement, ability, social-emotional factors, school learning skills, developmental characteristics, and family and school support).  12.01(12)

A student shall be age 4 by October 1 for kindergarten; and, age 5 by October 1 for first grade. 12.08(2)(e)(i)(D)

The purpose of early access is to identify and serve the few highly advanced gifted children who require comprehensive academic acceleration.  12.08(1)(c)

Fast Facts on Early Access (from CDE)

CONTACT

[email protected]
303-982-6650

Jeffco Child Find Department
303-982-7247

APPLICATION PROCESS

  • The Early Access Application for the 2024-25 school year will open January 3, 2024 and close on April 1, 2024.

  • Receive Early Access / Developmental History Form Packet from GT Office – Generated from application.

  • The Early Access Packet/Portfolio is due on March 22, 2024 to The Director of Gifted and Talented at the Jefferson County Education Center for priority scheduling for cognitive testing.

  • The Early Access Team will contact parents with completed and qualifying portfolios to schedule cognitive testing.

  • Submit the Early Access Cognitive Testing fee of $250 (waived for families who can demonstrate need -- see note below) to the GT office or upon check-in for cognitive testing.

  • Cognitive testing will be scheduled in early April.
  • Notification of acceptance and non-acceptance will be sent to parents by early May.

Note

Jeffco Schools is committed to providing equitable access to programming and educational opportunities. If you require financial assistance or are unable to submit the application and testing fee, please complete this Assistance Request Form. The Application Deadline follows Jeffco Board Policy as well as State Requirements.

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