GATE

Applications for GATE testing for enrollment in the
2026-27 school year is closed.

Applications for 2026.27 coming soon!

Please complete application and submit to Leia Osborne - losborne@tusd.net

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GATE Program?
The GATE Program is offered to grades 2-8 and is designed to meet the needs of students who exhibit high potential in various areas, such as intellectual, artistic, or creative capabilities. It aims to provide an enriching academic environment that stimulates gifted students to reach their full potential. It focuses on promoting complex thinking, problem solving and creativity.

• Academic Benefits: (These elements help prevent boredom and ensure that gifted students remain engaged and motivated in their studies)
  • • More challenging material and a faster pace of instruction
    • Individualized learning plans tailored to each student’s abilities
    • Opportunities for advanced coursework and accelerated learning
• Social & Emotional Benefits:
  • • Interaction with intellectual peers, fostering a sense of belonging
    • Development of collaboration skills rather than focusing solely on competition
    • Support for the unique social and emotional needs of gifted children
• Long-term Advantages:
  • • Preparation for advanced high school courses, such as Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) classes
    • Improved college readiness and potential for college admissions
    • Development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills which is valuable in future academic and professional pursuits

Where can I get an application?
You can download the GATE application by December 19, 2025, from the link to the right and submit the completed application to the GATE Clerk at losborne@tusd.net.
Applications are available from November 7^th through December 19^th, 2025.

What is the name of the administered test?
Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test – Third Edition (NNAT-3), it is an online assessment.

When are the assessments?
This year the GATE assessment will be held on January 24, 2026 at South/West Park Elementary. Students are assessed once a year, it is an online assessment and there is no fee for taking this assessment.

How can I help my child prepare for the assessment and do they need to bring anything on assessment day?
Families can best support and prepare their child for the GATE testing by ensuring they are well-rested, have eaten a healthy meal, and by arriving on time on the day of testing. Families can also reassure and encourage students to try their best. Students do not need to bring any materials on the day of the assessment. All testing materials will be provided by the district.

If qualified would my child need to leave our home school?
Yes, our GATE program is a magnet program held at South/West Park Elementary School for grades 2-5 and at Williams Middle School and Monte Vista Middle School for our middle school students. Middle school GATE students attend at their zoned middle school.

Do you offer busing?
Busing is available to our elementary students that live within TUSD boundaries.

I have another student, can they attend the same school as my GATE student?
Please contact Student Services regarding sibling transfers.

Once my student has entered the GATE program, do they need to retake the test every year?
No, once your student has enrolled in the GATE program they are all set, they do not need to retake the test.

Our Mission Statement
Our program will nurture each student's sense of personal worth, encourage students to develop and use their gifts and talents responsibly, and stimulate a love of learning in an atmosphere of cooperation among students, parents, teachers, and administrators. GATE teachers augment instruction through the practice of Depth, Complexity, Novelty, and Acceleration.

Eligibility Description
The Tracy Unified School District has developed an identification process that ensures all students (including those from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, and/or disabilities) an equal opportunity to be identified and participate in the GATE program.  Students are assessed online on the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test Third Edition (NNAT3). As defined below, we have a tiered eligibility system using NNAT3 scores and multiple measures:

GATE ID
GATE 2^ND – 8^TH grade: 

• 85%ile or above score on the NNAT3
•  

HIGH ACHIEVER
GATE 2^ND – 8^TH grade:
A student is eligible as a High Achiever once the following criteria has been reviewed and met:

• 84%ile – 79%ile score on the NNAT3
• Meets Criteria on Teacher Checklist for Observed Behaviors
• Meets Criteria on Parent Checklist for Observed Behaviors

PENDING ELIGIBILITY AS HIGH ACHIEVER
GATE 2^nd – 8^th grade:
A student is pending eligibility as High Achiever once the following criteria has been reviewed and met:

• 78%ile-73%ile score on the NNAT3
• Application
• Meets Criteria on Teacher Checklist for Observed Behaviors
• Meets Criteria on Parent Checklist for Observed Behaviors
• TUSD Assessments (at/above grade level) or Last Report Card (students in outside district at or above grade level)
• CAASPP/SBAC Scores (4th-7th graders must meet an Achievement level of 3 or 4 on the SBAC standardized test)
• Student Interview (flexible setting where teacher may focus on math, writing, comprehension, arts, oral/verbal intelligence, interests & passions, etc.)

Please select images below to enlarge:

• The program has provided the perfect environment to challenge and grow my students’ strengths. It has deepened his understanding and boosted his confidence in his abilities. GATE has given him opportunities to participate in competitions and connect with like-minded peers who share his enthusiasm. The program has played a big role in helping him realize his potential and continue striving for excellence in a subject he genuinely loves.

• The GATE program is overall the best program we have in Tracy.

• Our experience with the GATE program has been extremely positive. My child enjoys being in an environment where learning is both challenging and fun. The program encourages problem‑solving, creativity, and independent thinking—skills that have carried over into other areas of life. The teachers are attentive, patient, and truly invested in the students’ success.

• The GATE program at South/West Park Elementary has been a great experience for my son. Critical thinking is at the forefront of this program and is encouraged throughout every subject. My son loves being in a class where the students love to learn just as much as he does!

• The program provides the right level of challenge while also encouraging creativity, curiosity, and independent thinking. The hands-on activities, deeper learning opportunities, and supportive teachers have helped her build confidence and a genuine love for learning. I appreciate the positive and nurturing environment where students feel understood and connected with peers who share similar interests. It has supported not only her academic growth but also her social and emotional development. Overall, we are very grateful for this program.

• We truly appreciate the GATE program and believe it builds a strong foundation for students. It fosters critical thinking, creativity, and academic growth, preparing children with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in future grades and beyond.

• My two sons have been part of the program since the second grade, and it has made a profound difference in their educational journey. The GATE classes challenge them to look at the world differently and think outside the box. Talented students have unique needs, and the GATE program provides the specialized environment they need to truly advance.

Click on helpful links below:

California Association for the Gifted

State of California, Gifted and Talented Education