HISD Gifted Testing — Parent FAQs
Key dates for HISD families
- May 2026: G/T testing interest survey - Families could complete the G/T testing interest survey to receive the official request link.
- Early August 2026: Official G/T testing request opens - The official G/T testing request opens for approximately three weeks.
- October 5–30, 2026: G/T testing window - HISD administers G/T testing for referred students from PK4/entering Kindergarten through Grade 12.
- Week of December 7, 2026: Results for grades K–12 - Results are expected for students currently in grades K–12.
- Week of December 14, 2026: Results for PK4 / entering Kindergarten - Results are expected for PK4/entering Kindergarten testers.
The 2027–28 HISD School Choice application dates have not yet been published. Families applying to a Vanguard campus should also watch the official School Choice website for the new application timeline.
Who Is Tested?
Students in grades K–12 may be referred by a parent, teacher, student, or district-generated roster.
Students entering Kindergarten in 2027–28 who live in an HISD attendance zone may request testing.
HISD universally tests second-grade students who are not already G/T-identified.
HISD also screens fifth- and eighth-grade students who score above the 80th percentile in MAP Reading or Math.
How Does HISD Identify Gifted Students?
HISD combines test results with additional information and converts the evidence into points using its G/T Identification Matrix. Students may qualify in Reading/ELA, Math, or both content areas. A student who does not qualify may be reassessed after one school year.
For more information, visit the HISD Testing & Identification page.
What Is the Vanguard Program?
HISD offers G/T services through neighborhood programs at most district campuses and through Vanguard Magnet programs at selected schools. Vanguard programs provide accelerated, enriched learning with greater depth and complexity, higher-level thinking, independent research, and advanced projects.
To apply for a Vanguard Magnet transfer, a student must be identified as G/T in both Reading and Math. Admission for non-zoned students is competitive and takes place through the HISD School Choice process.
How does G/T identification relate to Vanguard?
Students who want to apply to an HISD Vanguard Magnet program must first qualify through the district’s Gifted and Talented identification process. Vanguard admission is separate and competitive, so G/T qualification makes a student eligible to apply but does not guarantee a seat.
What Does the HISD G/T Test Measure?
Because HISD treats the assessment as secure, it does not publish the test name or exact question types. Parents should therefore focus on helping children build broad reasoning and problem-solving skills rather than memorizing one specific test format.
- Verbal reasoning and word relationships
- Quantitative reasoning and number patterns
- Visual and nonverbal reasoning
- Classification, analogies, logic, and pattern recognition
How to Prepare for HISD Gifted Testing
Because HISD does not publish the secure assessment name or exact question types, preparation should focus on broad reasoning skills rather than memorizing one test format.
- Practice verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal reasoning regularly.
- Help children become comfortable with unfamiliar question formats.
- Review missed questions so they understand the reasoning behind the correct answer.
- Use timed practice occasionally to build focus and confidence without creating unnecessary pressure.
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Quick FAQs
Does my second grader need a testing request? No. Second-grade students who are not already identified are universally tested by HISD.
Does G/T identification guarantee a Vanguard seat? No. Identification establishes eligibility, but Vanguard Magnet admission also depends on the School Choice process and available seats.
When will 2027–28 School Choice dates be available? HISD has not yet published that application timeline. Families should monitor the official School Choice website.
Official HISD resources
Last reviewed: 2026-07-24
Help your child prepare for HISD testing
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Get started with AceGiftedTestCognitive Abilities Test™ (CogAT®) is a registered trademark of Riverside Assessments, LLC. AceGiftedTest and its parent, Lumina Ed, are not affiliated with Riverside Insights, nor is the content on this site promoted or endorsed by Riverside or its affiliates.
AceGiftedTest and its parent company, Lumina Ed, are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Houston Independent School District (HISD). HISD does not publicly disclose the name of its secure G/T assessment. Testing dates, identification procedures, Vanguard admission, and School Choice timelines are set by HISD and may change each school year. Families should verify details on official HISD websites.