Highly Capable is Washington’s term for gifted education services. NNAT® stands for Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test, a visual reasoning assessment built around shapes, patterns, and spatial relationships.
For a fuller overview of the assessment itself, see our guide to what the NNAT® measures.
What Federal Way says about screening
Federal Way says it conducts a universal data review for all 2nd and 4th grade students annually. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, the district says the NNAT3 is administered to all enrolled 2nd and 4th grade scholars, and to referred scholars with permission.
| Test basics | What Federal Way parents should know |
|---|---|
| Test | NNAT3 |
| Screened grades | 2nd and 4th grade universal screening |
| Timing | December 1-21, 2025 for the listed cycle |
| Format | Computer-based, non-verbal assessment |
| Results | Identification outcomes emailed in March |
For a parent-friendly overview of the visual reasoning format, see our guide to the four NNAT® question types.
Elementary schools in Federal Way Public Schools
In most districts, a gifted-screening window applies across the district, while each school handles practical details inside that window.
Federal Way elementary schools include:
- Adelaide Elementary
- Brigadoon Elementary
- Camelot Elementary
- Enterprise Elementary
- Green Gables Elementary
- Lake Dolloff Elementary
- Lake Grove Elementary
- Lakeland Elementary
- Mark Twain Elementary
- Meredith Hill Elementary
- Mirror Lake Elementary
- Panther Lake Elementary
- Rainier View Elementary
- Sherwood Forest Elementary
- Silver Lake Elementary
- Star Lake Elementary
- Sunnycrest Elementary
- Twin Lakes Elementary
- Valhalla Elementary
- Wildwood Elementary
Federal Way also lists Nautilus K-8, Olympic View K-8, and Woodmont K-8 among its K-8 schools.
Questions Federal Way parents should ask
- What exact date is my child’s class taking the NNAT3?
- Is any referral or parent permission step needed for my child this year?
- When should identification outcomes be emailed?
- If my child qualifies, what Highly Capable services are available in their current grade and later grades?
- If my child does not qualify this year, what appeal or future screening options are available?
Our broader questions to ask your school guide can help you turn those into one clear conversation with the office or program contact.
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