Talented & Gifted Program
About TAG
TCAPS’ Talented and Gifted Program (TAG), provides learning communities where each student is surrounded by a peer group of academically talented and gifted learners throughout the day. These unique environments are one of the key elements identified as being essential to a successful talented and gifted education program. TCAPS’ TAG and AT programs provide essential peer stimuli allowing children to learn and share their ideas as well as enhance their emotional growth.
Special programs for identified talented and gifted students are available for students in grades 4 through 12. In grades 4-5, students identified as talented and gifted are offered the opportunity to attend a magnet school located at Central Grade School. At the middle school level, Academically Talented (AT) classes are offered in the four core academic areas: math, science, social studies and language arts. Each middle school offers one class in each subject at each grade level for students in the Talented and Gifted Program. At the high school level, Honors, and Advanced Placement (AP) classes are offered in almost all curricular areas, and many students may pursue honors level courses at Northwestern Michigan College.
Screening Process
Students are screened for the Talented & Gifted program in the spring of their third grade year. Admission to TAG is based on CogAT test scores and NWEA scores, in addition to teacher input.
CogAT Test Registration
- Registration Starts: Monday, January 6, 2025
- Registration Ends: Monday, January 20, 2025
TCAPS Student Testing Information
TCAPS will administer the Cognitive Ability Test (CogAT) for any current TCAPS 3rd-grade student interested in TAG. Testing will take place in the child’s home school from February 4-11, 2025. Completion of the online registration form must be submitted by January 20th in order for your student to be tested with the CogAT. The online registration form will be available on January 6, 2025. Applicants will receive specific school testing dates and times in an email communication from their home school closer to the testing period.
Non-TCAPS Student Testing Information
Testing for Non-TCAPS 3rd grade students wishing to apply to the TCAPS TAG program will take place at the location specified by the coordinator. To register a 3rd grade non-TCAPS student for TAG testing, contact Kelly Walter in the Office of Curriculum & Instruction at 231.933.1775 or walterke@tcaps.net.