Prince George's County TAG and OLSAT guide.

Prince George's County Public Schools calls its gifted program Talented and Gifted, or TAG. Identification uses two group ability tests: the OLSAT (Otis-Lennon School Ability Test) in 1st grade and the CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) in 4th grade.

Who is tested, and with what

District pages do not agree on the test for new 3rd graders. The 2026-27 dates page says CogAT. The TAG Identification page says OLSAT for new 2nd and 3rd graders. The district's written procedure (Administrative Procedure 6142.2) lists different tests again. If your child is new to PGCPS in 2nd or 3rd grade, ask the school's TAG Coordinator which test they will take.

What the score does, and what it does not do

A score at or above the 81st percentile on the ability test sends a student to screening by the school's TAG Coordinator. It is not the final decision. In 4th grade, the district procedure uses the 81st percentile on a combination of two CogAT sections, or the 89th percentile on reading and math achievement tests.

Screening then looks at several kinds of evidence: ability test data, achievement data, a teacher checklist of gifted characteristics, and report card grades. A school team reviews the file and the TAG Office approves it. No final cutoff is published.

Nominations, retesting and results

Parents and teachers may nominate a student for TAG screening by January 15. Test data is valid for two years, and PGCPS does not retest students who already have valid data. Scores and screening results are sent home by the school, and the district procedure says parents are told before the March deadline for the TAG center lottery. Identified students receive TAG services the following school year.

The lottery for 2027-28 TAG center placement runs November 1, 2026 to March 12, 2027. A student must already be TAG-identified by PGCPS to apply.

Questions Prince George's parents should ask

1. What is our school's exact testing day inside the district window?
2. My child is new in 3rd grade: will they take the OLSAT or the CogAT?
3. Did my child score at or above the 81st percentile, and when does screening happen?
4. How do I submit a written nomination before January 15?
5. If my child is not identified, how do appeals and rescreens work?

Our broader questions to ask your school guide can help you turn those into one clear conversation with the TAG Coordinator.

How to prepare, calmly

The PGCPS TAG FAQ says it is not necessary to prepare for a cognitive ability test, though practice problems may help younger students. The OLSAT and CogAT both include verbal and nonverbal reasoning, and a 1st grader may never have taken a bubble-style test before. If you practice, keep it to 10 to 15 minutes a day, and have your child try at least two full timed practice tests so the format and pacing are 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.