Practice for these tests: GateBuddy does not offer NGAT or OLSAT practice yet. If your district uses one of them, tell us and we will let you know when it is ready.
Articles
Basics
What is the NGAT (Naglieri General Ability Tests)?
The three tests, how long they take, how they are scored, and what changed from the NNAT®.
For every gifted test
What parents miss about early GATE testing
Why early gifted screening matters, why bright students miss it, and why an unfamiliar test format can be the real hurdle.
All tests · BasicsNNAT® vs CogAT® vs OLSAT®: what parents should know
How the major gifted tests differ, why districts choose different assessments, and what to ask before preparing.
All tests · BasicsAsk how your school approaches Gifted and Talented
Which test, which grade, eligibility rules, appeals, and services all vary by district. The questions that get clear answers.
All tests · Practice and prepHow to prepare a young child for the gifted test
A gifted screening is among the earliest tests a young child sits. What is actually new about it, and how to prepare calmly.
All tests · ScoresWhat score does my child need to qualify for GATE?
Why qualifying scores vary by district, how percentiles work, and what to ask when results arrive.
Districts that use the NGAT, OLSAT, or other measures
14 districts researched. Each row shows the grades tested, the window, and whether GateBuddy practice fits.
California
3 districts| District | Test | Grade | Window | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Alamitos USDLos Alamitos, CA | OLSATNo GateBuddy practice for this test yet | 3 universal (with consent); 4-7 by request | January-February | Read the guide |
| Los Angeles USDLos Angeles, CA | OLSAT (OLSAT-8)No GateBuddy practice for this test yet | 2 | March (2027 dates not published) | Read the guide |
| Redondo Beach USDRedondo Beach, CA | NNAT/OLSAT (OLSAT; NNAT3 for most English learners)No GateBuddy practice for this test yet | 3 (universal) | March | Read the guide |
Colorado
3 districts| District | Test | Grade | Window | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adams 12 Five Star SchoolsThornton, CO | NGATNo GateBuddy practice for this test yet | 2 and 6 screened; other grades by nomination | Fall, set by each school (mid-September to early October) | Read the guide |
| Aurora Public SchoolsAurora, CO | NGAT (NGAT or CogAT®, district pages differ)No GateBuddy practice for this test yet | 2 screened; referral any grade | Fall, October-November | Read the guide |
| Denver Public SchoolsDenver, CO | NGATNo GateBuddy practice for this test yet | 1 and 5 (universal) | Sept 9 - Nov 13, 2026; nomination testing Oct 13 - Nov 20 | Read the guide |
Florida
2 districts| District | Test | Grade | Window | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broward County PSFort Lauderdale, FL | Renaissance STAR (STAR screen)No GateBuddy practice for this test yet | 2 | Not published | Read the guide |
| Miami-Dade County PSMiami, FL | NGATNo GateBuddy practice for this test yet | 1 | Nov 12-20, 2026 | See details |
Maryland
1 district| District | Test | Grade | Window | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prince George's County PSUpper Marlboro, MD | OLSAT (OLSAT grade 1; CogAT® grade 4)No GateBuddy practice for this test yet | 1 and 4 universal; new students in 2, 3, 5 | Grade 1 OLSAT Oct 19 - Nov 10, 2026; grade 4 CogAT® Nov 16 - Dec 15, 2026 | Read the guide |
New York
1 district| District | Test | Grade | Window | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York City DOENew York, NY | No testNo GateBuddy practice for this test yet | K entry; grades 1-4 entry | K application Dec 9, 2026 - Jan 22, 2027; grades 1-4 Apr 19 - May 7, 2027 | Read the guide |
Texas
2 districts| District | Test | Grade | Window | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISDCarrollton, TX | NGATNo GateBuddy practice for this test yet | K and 5 universal; 1-4 by referral | Nov 4-13, 2026 | Read the guide |
| Houston ISDHouston, TX | NGATNo GateBuddy practice for this test yet | All 2nd graders; 5th and 8th by MAP; PK4-12 on request | Oct 5-30, 2026; requests closed Sept 25, 2026 | Read the guide |
Virginia
1 district| District | Test | Grade | Window | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfax County PSFairfax, VA | NGATNo GateBuddy practice for this test yet | 2 universal; 3-7 by referral | October 2026 | Read the guide |
Washington
1 district| District | Test | Grade | Window | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tahoma SDMaple Valley, WA | NGATNo GateBuddy practice for this test yet | 2 and 5 universal; K-7 by referral | Screener not published; referral window Nov 1 - Dec 31, 2026 | Read the guide |