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Howard County Public School System: gifted testing

Dates and requirements change. Always confirm with Howard County Public School System directly. Last checked: 2026-10-28 · district website

Advanced Academic Programs (AAP), elementary

Grades PreK-5

All third graders (and students new to HCPSS later) take the CogAT. It is the first step for the grade 4-5 Advanced Mathematics program and helps decide participation in Curriculum Extension Units. In PreK-2, every student takes part in Primary Talent Development lessons; there is no gifted test before grade 3.

TestGradesWhoWhen
CogAT3universal (plus students new to HCPSS in later years)Not publishedsource

Published criteria

  • Advanced Mathematics (grades 4-5): students in the designated range on at least two of three measures are recommended: 90th percentile or higher on CogAT Quantitative-Nonverbal (grade percentile rank), and 90th percentile or higher on fall and/or winter MAP Math. Other evidence can also lead to a recommendation. source

Appeals / retesting: Families of students not recommended for Advanced Mathematics may contact the school's elementary AAP Resource Teacher to request a Course Placement Review. source

Get ready for Howard County Public School System's test

Start with a free readiness check. Pick Howard County Public School System during setup and the report shows how your child's estimate compares with the published cutoff.

Free readiness check

District information is compiled from public sources and may be incomplete, out of date or wrong. GiftedCub is not affiliated with Howard County Public School System. Confirm testing windows, deadlines, eligibility criteria and cutoffs directly with the district or school before relying on them. GiftedCub is not responsible for missed deadlines or decisions based on this information.

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