Transfer Student Eligibility Process
Advanced Learning Transfer Student Eligibility Process
SPS no longer uses outside cognitive testing or any assessments performed outside a classroom setting, to determine eligibility, unless present in a student’s Special Education evaluation that resulted in an IEP.
Instead, eligibility decisions are based on the Multidisciplinary Selection Committee’s (MSC) review of multiple kinds of evidence or data. The MSC team includes trained educators and professional staff.
New to SPS, Currently in Highly Capable or Gifted Program (Closing on May 16, 2025)
If your student is transferring from another public school Highly Capable (HC) or gifted program:
- Students must first be enrolled in the district. Learn how to enroll at SPS.
- Submit the following required documentation for evaluation to advlearn2@seattleschools.org:
- SPS Highly Capable Transfer Request : Pre-existing eligibility in a Public School Highly Capable or Gifted program required
- Proof of enrollment in a public school HC or gifted program
- Test results used to place the student in the program
- Most current achievement scores (math and reading)
- The Multidisciplinary Selection Committee (MSC) will review the documentation and make a determination regarding eligibility for Advanced Learner or Highly Capable services.
Note: Students who were historically eligible for SPS Advanced Learning services, are outside of the one year retention window, and returning to SPS without a Highly Capable eligibility will participate in the Student Transfer process that will begin in March 2024.
New to SPS, Not Currently in Highly Capable or Gifted Program
There is a transfer student eligibility process for 2nd-11th grade students who are new to SPS for the 2024-25 school year (first time registering with the district) and have not participated in a public school Highly Capable or gifted program.
Applications are accepted between March 3-April 11, 2025.
Note: If families are unable to submit documents during the March 1-April 12 submission window, SPS refers every 1st-8th grade student to participate in the Universal Screening review. Learn more about the Universal Screening.
How to Apply
Does your student have Standardized Test Scores (administered by a public or private school) available?
- Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) preferred
- Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA) preferred
- Dibels or other reading fluency assessment such as F&P
If you have any other standardized/achievement assessment data, please contact advlearn2@settleschools.org.
Timeline for 2024-25 Transfer Student Eligibility Process
SPS does not provide eligibility decisions to non-SPS students. SPS enrollment is required before participation in this process. There is no flexibility regarding the following deadlines.
Applications Open
March 3-April 11, 2025
Eligibility Decision
Friday, May 9, 2025
Submit Appeal
Within 10 days of the date on the eligibility letter.
Appeal Decision
Friday, May 30, 2025