For a student to be considered for either the SAGE or MERLIN programs, he/she must have cognitive abilities testing data. 

Incoming students who have adequate testing data to demonstrate that they qualify for either program will be immediately entered into the appropriate program.  (See Qualifying For SAGE)

Students new to the district, with academic achievement test scores that indicate a student's potential for either program will be tested using the CogAT (cognitive abilities) and SOI (creativity) tests in late September.   Qualifying students will be placed into the appropriate program when testing results are known (typically, late October/early November.)

Students who move into the Issaquah School District from another district during the school year who had been served by a gifted/highly capable program in that district, will be given an opportunity for CogAT testing at least once during the school year outside of the fall testing window. That testing will most likely be a group testing situation at a central location outside of the regular school day.

 The SAGE teacher at your new school can inform you of the options available to you.

NOTE:  MERLIN placement is based on space availability.