Districts / CA
Capistrano Unified School District: gifted testing
Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)
Grades K-12Capistrano gives every 3rd grader the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) in class in late February - early March; students at the 96th percentile or higher are identified. Grades 3-5 students at the 92nd-95th percentile can qualify through a multiple-measures portfolio. Some 4th and 5th graders (new to CUSD or meeting achievement criteria) can take or retake the NNAT in the same window.
| Test | Grades | Who | When | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NNAT | 3 | All students tested | Late February - early March | source |
| NNAT | 4, 5 | New to CUSD or meeting achievement criteria | Late February - early March | source |
Published criteria
- An NNAT score at the 96th percentile or higher identifies a student for GATE; the 92nd-95th percentile makes a student eligible for a multiple-measures portfolio. source
Deadlines
- Identification letters (NNAT) (2026-06-15): Families notified by mail approximately June 15, 2026. source
Get ready for Capistrano Unified School District's test
Start with a free readiness check. Pick Capistrano Unified School District during setup and the report shows how your child's estimate compares with the published cutoff.
District information is compiled from public sources and may be incomplete, out of date or wrong. GiftedCub is not affiliated with Capistrano Unified School District. 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.
- Qualifying for CUSD GATE Program (Capistrano Unified) (checked 2026-10-28)
- NCES Common Core of Data, 2023-24 school directory (ZIP codes of the district's K-5 schools) (checked 2026-10-28)