In Ohio, families are more likely to hear gifted screening or gifted identification than GATE. NNAT® stands for Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test, a visual reasoning assessment that uses shapes and patterns instead of reading passages, vocabulary, or math computation.
What Columbus says about gifted identification
Columbus City Schools says students in 2nd grade take the NNAT in November to screen for superior cognitive ability. The district also says scores from whole-grade screening are usually sent home in February or March.
The district lists a required NNAT score of 126 for superior cognitive ability identification. It also describes other areas of gifted identification, including specific academic ability, creative thinking ability, and visual or performing arts ability.
| Test basics | What Columbus parents should know |
|---|---|
| Test | NNAT, the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test |
| Timing | November for 2nd grade whole-grade screening |
| Length | 48 questions in about 30 minutes |
| Reading load | No reading passages, vocabulary, or math computation |
| 2nd grade level | Level C, which includes all four major NNAT® question formats |
What 2nd graders should expect from the NNAT®
The NNAT® asks children to solve visual problems. They look for changes in shape, color, position, rotation, sequence, and spatial relationships.
That can be very different from normal schoolwork. A child who already understands the format can spend more attention on the puzzle itself.
Elementary schools in Columbus City Schools
In most districts, a gifted-screening window applies across the district, while each school handles practical details inside that window. For Columbus families, November is the planning month, and your child’s school is the place to confirm the exact day and make-up instructions.
Columbus City Schools elementary and K-8 campuses include:
- Alpine Elementary School
- Avalon Elementary School
- Avondale Elementary School
- Beatty Park Elementary School
- Berwick Alternative Elementary
- Binns Elementary School
- Burroughs Elementary School
- Cassady Elementary School
- Cedarwood Alternative Elementary
- Clinton Elementary School
- Colerain Elementary School
- Columbus Africentric Early College PreK-12
- Columbus Spanish Immersion Academy
- Como Elementary School
- Cranbrook Elementary School
- Devonshire Elementary School
- Duxberry Park Elementary School
- Eakin Elementary School
- East Columbus Elementary School
- East Linden Elementary School
- Eastgate Elementary School
- Easthaven Elementary School
- Ecole Kenwood French Immersion
- Fairmoor Elementary School
- Forest Park Elementary School
- Gables Elementary School
- Georgian Heights Elementary School
- Hamilton STEM Academy
- Highland Elementary School
- Hubbard Elementary School
- Huy Elementary School
- Indian Springs Elementary School
- Indianola Informal K-8
- Innis Elementary School
- Leawood Elementary School
- Liberty Elementary School
- Lincoln Park Elementary School
- Lindbergh Elementary School
- Linden STEM Academy
- Livingston Elementary School
- Maize Elementary School
- North Linden Elementary School
- Northgate Intermediate School
- Northtowne Elementary School
- Oakland Park Elementary School
- Oakmont Elementary School
- Ohio Avenue Elementary School
- Olde Orchard Alternative Elementary
- Parkmoor Elementary School
- Parsons Elementary School
- Salem Elementary School
- Scottwood Elementary School
- Shady Lane Elementary School
- Siebert Elementary School
- South Mifflin STEM Academy
- Southwood Elementary School
- Starling PreK-8
- Stewart Alternative Elementary School
- Sullivant Elementary School
- Trevitt Elementary School
- Valley Forge Elementary School
- Valleyview Elementary School
- Watkins Elementary School
- Weinland Park Elementary School
- West Broad Elementary School
- West Mound Elementary School
- Westgate Elementary School
- Windsor STEM Academy
- Winterset Elementary School
- Woodcrest Elementary School
Questions Columbus parents should ask
- What exact date is my child’s class taking the 2nd grade NNAT?
- What should students expect during the test session?
- What happens if my child is absent?
- When will scores be sent home?
- How does the district use the NNAT score for gifted identification?
- What additional steps are available if a family wants to request further gifted assessment?
How to prepare without adding pressure
Useful prep is about format familiarity, not cramming. A few short sessions can help a child learn how NNAT® puzzles work and feel calmer on the actual testing day.
Start with the four NNAT® question types, then practice explaining the rule behind each answer.
Frequently asked questions
Do Columbus City Schools 2nd graders take the NNAT?
Yes. Columbus City Schools says students in 2nd grade take the NNAT in November to screen for superior cognitive ability.
When are Columbus City Schools gifted screening results sent home?
Columbus City Schools says whole-grade screening scores are usually sent home in February or March.
What NNAT score does Columbus list for superior cognitive ability?
Columbus City Schools lists a required NNAT score of 126 for superior cognitive ability identification.
How long is the NNAT?
The NNAT has 48 questions and takes about 30 minutes.
Start with a calm first look.
GateBuddy’s free NNAT® practice introduces the question styles and explains how to think through them.
Try five questions free