Fall Highly Capable Program Referrals Open
The Lynden School District is now accepting referrals for Highly Capable Program testing for Kindergarten students and students who are new to the Lynden School District this year.
Who should be referred?
Consider referring a student who consistently demonstrates a need for learning opportunities beyond the typical grade-level curriculum. Highly capable students may learn new concepts quickly, make complex connections, ask unusually thoughtful or in-depth questions, demonstrate advanced reasoning or problem-solving skills, show exceptional memory, use advanced vocabulary, display strong creativity, or develop intense interests in particular topics.
Highly capable students do not all look or learn alike. Some students may show their strengths consistently across subjects, while others may demonstrate exceptional ability in only one area. A student’s classroom performance, behavior, language background, disability, or other factors may also make advanced ability less obvious.
Why is identification important?
Identifying highly capable students helps us better understand their learning needs and provide an appropriate level of challenge. Our goal is to provide enhanced learning opportunities for students who need them, including opportunities to:
- Work at greater depth and complexity
- Engage in advanced problem-solving, inquiry, and enrichment
- Learn alongside and collaborate with like-ability peers
- Access specialized resources, materials, and learning experiences
- Receive appropriately challenging instruction within the classroom
- Be monitored over time so that instruction and support can be adjusted as their needs develop
Highly Capable Program services are intended to help students remain engaged, challenged, and growing academically rather than spending significant time practicing skills or concepts they have already mastered.
How do I make a referral?
Referrals may be submitted by staff, parents, and community members. To refer a student, please complete the online referral form. Hard copies of the referral form, available in English and Spanish, are also available at school offices.
The referral window is open Monday, September 21 through Friday, October 9, 2026. All referrals must be submitted by Friday, October 9 to be considered for the fall assessment process.
Testing will take place Monday, October 12 through Friday, October 30, 2026 at the referred student’s school.
Referral Link:
https://lynden.schooldata.net/v2/highly-capable-student-plans/#/public/refer-student
