DeKalb County School District identifies gifted students under Georgia's state rule, which looks at four areas: mental ability, achievement, creativity and motivation. The main ability test is the CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test), which covers verbal, quantitative and nonverbal reasoning.
How a DeKalb student gets referred
Referral is automatic. Parents do not need to sign up. The district's 2025-26 Manual for Gifted Services describes three triggers:
- MAP score at or above the 90th percentile in reading or math: the student is referred for the CogAT and for creativity and motivation screening.
- MAP score between the 75th and 89th percentile in reading or math (fall or winter): the student may get extra achievement screening with the Iowa test.
- 90th percentile or higher in both creativity and motivation on the Renzulli scales: the student may be screened with the CogAT.
Teachers, counselors, administrators, parents, peers or students themselves can also make a referral. The school's gifted liaison sends home a Parent Consent for Evaluation form before further testing.
What qualifies under Georgia's rule
| Area | What counts |
|---|---|
| Mental ability | Option A: 99th percentile composite in grades K-2, 96th in grades 3-12. Option B: 96th percentile composite or component score |
| Achievement | 90th percentile in total reading, total math or complete battery |
| Creativity | 90th percentile on a creativity test or rating scale |
| Motivation | 90th percentile on a motivation scale (grade point average may be used in grades 6-12) |
Option A requires qualifying scores in both mental ability and achievement. Option B requires qualifying in three of the four areas. Scores must be current within two years.
When results come
The district's information night answers say parents can expect results on or before the next grading cycle after testing. Families receive an eligibility report either way. A student found eligible in the spring begins services in the fall.
Questions DeKalb parents should ask
- Did my child's fall, winter or spring MAP score trigger a gifted referral?
- When are this year's CogAT and Step II testing dates at our school?
- Which of the four areas has my child already met, and which are still open?
- If my child is close, when is the next chance to be evaluated?
- Which gifted service model does our school use?
Our broader questions to ask your school guide can help you plan one clear conversation with the gifted liaison.
How to prepare, calmly
A child who has never seen CogAT-style items can lose time on the directions alone. Short, regular practice with reasoning puzzles helps: 10 to 15 minutes a day, plus at least two full timed practice tests so the pacing is familiar. Practice teaches your child what the questions look like and gives them ways to approach and think through them, so test day feels familiar instead of surprising.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to sign my DeKalb child up for gifted testing?
No. Every student in kindergarten through 10th grade is screened automatically through the MAP test. Parents, teachers and others can also refer a student.
What MAP score leads to gifted testing in DeKalb?
A score at or above the 90th percentile in reading or math on the fall, winter or spring MAP leads to further evaluation, including the CogAT. Students between the 75th and 89th percentile may get extra achievement screening.
What CogAT score qualifies for gifted in DeKalb?
Under Option A, students in grades K-2 need a 99th percentile composite and students in grades 3-12 need the 96th, plus a qualifying achievement score. Under Option B, a 96th percentile composite or component score counts as one of three required areas.
Can private testing be used for DeKalb gifted eligibility?
Outside testing by a licensed psychologist can be used as evidence for further evaluation, but not for placement. Eligibility is based on district testing.
When will we get gifted results in DeKalb?
The district says parents can expect results on or before the next grading cycle after testing. Students found eligible in the spring begin services in the fall.
Does GateBuddy offer CogAT practice for DeKalb families?
Not yet. GateBuddy currently offers NNAT practice. CogAT practice is planned; join the waitlist on this page to be notified when it launches.
Be first to know when CogAT prep launches.
GateBuddy is building CogAT practice next. Join the waitlist and we will email you the day it is ready, plus GateBuddy’s existing NNAT® guides in the meantime if your family is weighing more than one district or test.
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