Testing and Identification Timeline for Students Attending FCPS

Advanced Academic Programs

All dates are pending school board approval.


Testing Schedule

Schools administer tests to all FCPS students according to the timeline below. Students must be enrolled in and attending FCPS in order to be tested. One ability test score is required for the screening process.

October 2-20, 2023

Cognitive Abilities Tests administered to:

  • All students in Grade 2
  • Students in grades 3-7 with no score on file, not centrally eligible for Level IV services, and
  • Select students who are requesting a one-time retest*.

November 13-17, 2023

Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test administered to:

  • Certain students in Grades 2-7 who do not have an ability test score on file,
  • Select students who are requesting a one-time retest*.

*The one-time retest option for the NNAT or CogAT test is an option for families who feel their student did not perform well on the ability test for a variety of reasons.

March 1-8, 2024

Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test administered to:

  • Certain students in Grades 2-7 who need an ability test score for spring Level IV screening.

Parents/Guardians may request a one-time retest of either the CogAT or NNAT. FCPS policy permits one retake of one ability test per student. Please submit the request to the local school by contacting the Advanced Academics Resource Teacher (AART) or assistant principal.

Identification Schedule: Fall 2023

For FCPS students newly enrolled in FCPS and attending after January 2023.

October 15, 2023

  • Advanced Academic Programs Level IV Referral Form for new FCPS students (enrolled after January 2023) due to AART at attending elementary school or school counselor at the middle school

December 2023

  • Central Selection Committee meets
  • Eligibility decisions sent

January 10, 2024

  • Appeals due to AAP office

January 29, 2024

  • Eligible students in Grades 3-8 may attend full-time AAP sites beginning second semester.

Identification Schedule: Spring 2024

December 15, 2023

  • Advanced Academic Programs Level IV Referral Form and optional materials for students in Grade 2 who are not Universal Screener referral candidates and students in Grades 3–7 due to Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) at the attending elementary school or school counselor at the middle school.
  • PLEASE NOTE:
    • Universal Screener referrals will be announced in early December.
    • If you would like your student screened you may submit a referral from August 21 to December 15, 2023. No exceptions to the referral deadline are made.

March 2024

  • Central Selection Committee meets

April 4-5, 2024

  • Eligibility decisions sent

April 11-May 3, 2024

  • Full-time AAP orientations are held at Level IV sites (elementary school only).

May 10, 2024

  • Appeals due to the AAP office.

Fall 2024

  • Eligible students in Grades 3-8 may attend full-time AAP sites beginning first semester.