Accelerated Programs
2026–27 Highly Capable Identification Information
Please note: The MPC updates identification information each school year. Information about the 2026–27 Highly Capable identification process will be shared with all families across the district at the end of August 2026. In the meantime, please review our service model descriptions.
For transfer and new-to-district students, please review the process outlined on this page. Identification and placement for these students will begin in Fall 2026.
Updated 6/25/26.
Welcome!
LWSD’s highly capable services offer enriched and enhanced instructional opportunities to students who have been identified as needing service.
This may look like:
- Enrichment and extension of academic and intellectual skill;
- Stimulation of intellectual curiosity, independence and responsibility;
- Adjusted pacing and enrichment of content to meet student learning needs; and
- Development of advanced critical thinking, communication and collaboration skills through the lens of local and global citizenship.
As you explore our website, you will encounter these terms:
- Accelerated Programs - The name of the entire department that includes all service models K-12.
- Highly Capable (HiCap) - Washington state's official term for any student receiving services for gifted education/advanced learning.
- Service models – The program service models within Accelerated Programs: Early Entrance to Kindergarten (EEK), Classroom-Based Services (CBS), Full-Time Quest (FTQ) and Middle School Quest (MSQ). In high school, service models include student self-selected courses and experiences in programs such as: Running Start, College in the High School and Advanced Placement (AP).
October 6, 2025 presentation to LWSD Board
Lake Washington School District’s Highly Capable identification process was featured in the October 6 board study session. The session provides an overview of how the district uses a body of evidence for the purpose of Highly Capable identification and placement and how the Multi-Disciplinary Placement Committee (MPC) makes decisions based on academic and cognitive data.
This is a helpful resource for those interested in learning more about how student placement decisions are made.