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HiCap Program

Challenging Every Student to Reach Their Full Potential

At the French American School of Puget Sound (FASPS), the HiCap  Program supports highly capable students who demonstrate advanced  cognitive abilities, curiosity, and a strong need for academic challenge.  Within our unique bilingual environment, students are encouraged to  think deeply, explore broadly, and progress at a pace aligned with their  strengths—while remaining socially connected and emotionally supported.

While all students benefit from differentiated instruction, the HiCap Program offers flexible learning pathways that extend classroom learning  and help students reach their full potential. Once formally identified as  highly capable, students will receive additional accommodations tailored  to their individual needs.
 

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Formal identification as a Highly Capable Learner requires an evaluation conducted by an external educational psychologist. This comprehensive assessment typically includes:

  • Cognitive testing (such as the WISC-V)
  • Psycho-affective and socio-emotional evaluation
  • Optional assessments of creativity, motor skills, or other developmental areas
To qualify, a student must demonstrate:
  • A full-scale IQ above 130 (two standard deviations above the mean)
  • Cognitive characteristics consistent with advanced learners, who represent approximately 2.3% of the population

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Once identified, Highly Capable Learners may receive one or more of the following accommodations, depending on individual needs:

Enrichment Program

Available at all grade levels, enrichment allows students to explore areas of interest while remaining with their class.

Three types of enrichment support deeper learning:

  • Type I – Exploratory Enrichment
    Sparks curiosity through exposure to new topics, disciplines, and experiences beyond the core curriculum.

  • Type II – Skill-Building Enrichment
    Small-group work focused on creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving using written, oral, and visual expression.

  • Type III – Research & Innovation Enrichment
    Independent or small-group projects where students act as researchers, developing autonomy and real-world problem-solving skills.

Cross-Grade Placement

In elementary and middle school, students may participate in specific subjects or activities at a higher grade level while remaining in their current grade for others.

This flexible approach:
  • Maintains motivation and engagement
  • Allows students to grow where they are strongest
  • Preserves social-emotional connections with peers
  • Strengthens community across grade levels

Curriculum Acceleration

For some students, learning at a faster pace is essential to maintaining engagement and well-being.
Acceleration options may include:

  • Grade skipping (at any point in the year)
  • Condensed learning paths (completing multi-year programs in a shorter timeframe)
Acceleration may also support students who appear under-engaged or underperforming despite high cognitive ability. Decisions are made collaboratively with families to ensure academic readiness and emotional well-being.

FAQ's

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

MERCER ISLAND
(Preschool, Elementary, Middle School)
3795 East Mercer Way
Mercer Island, WA 98040
(206) 275-3533
info@fasps.org
SEATTLE – CAPITOL HILL
(Preschool Campus)
1823 East Madison Street
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 644-8348
info@fasps.org
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The French American School of Puget Sound does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, financial aid programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs. This policy applies to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities, including applications and admissions, generally accorded or made available to students at the school.

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