Rocky Mountain Psychological Services
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Gifted Assessment: Why Choosing the Right School and Assessment Matters for Your Child’s Future

Children are unique in ways unimaginable. One size does not fit all – each child develops at their own pace. They grow differently, they bud differently, and most importantly, they learn differently. Some kids are quick with grasping new concepts, others have a command over language like no other, and others speak with an unusual depth for their age. The way some kids connect information and ideas  surprises parents and teachers alike. When you notice these signs you might be wondering: Could my child be gifted!?

While friends, family and teachers all have opinions on how a child is performing compared to others their age, a gifted assessment can help to formally find the answer to your question. Gifted assessment is a cognitive assessment, also referred to as an IQ test, that aims to look at how your child’s reasoning and proficiency abilities stack up to other kids their age. This is helpful information because not only does it help parents, but also allows schools and programs identify the right approach suitable for them as well as the timing of instructions.

Gifted kids tend to learn more quickly and make connections more easily between what they already know and new information, or solve problems they’ve never seen before with more ease than their same-aged peers. They benefit from additional opportunities to learn process information more deeply or extend what is typically taught in the curriculum, and they may not need as much time or focus on the basic curriculum as other kids their age in order to meet the curriculum expectations.  In Calgary, there are various options for students who demonstrate advanced cognitive abilities compared to their peers Westmount Charter School or the gifted programs in the Calgary Board of Education or the Calgary Catholic Board of Education.

What Is a Gifted Assessment?

A gifted assessment is an organized evaluation of a child’s cognitive abilities in comparison to their peers. The purpose of this assessment is to identify how the child performs on a series of tasks compared to their same-aged peers. Typically, children who score in the gifted range score in the top 2% of their peers on cognitive assessments. Scores in this range are a prerequisite when applying to programs like Westmount Charter School or other programs such as the Calgary Board of Education’s GATE Program. Some indicators that a gifted assessment may be right for your child include:

  • They learn new concepts faster than their peers.
  • They show advanced problem solving or language skills for their age.
  • They transfer knowledge from one setting to another with ease.

Recognizing these signs early allows families to make informed decisions about schooling, enrichment, and long term support.

The RMPS Approach to Gifted Assessment

Cognitive testing is standardized. Measures such as the WISC-V, WPPSI-IV or the Stanford-Binet-5 are the typical cognitive assessment measures that are requested as part of an application to a gifted program. Standardized assessment means that the administrator follows specific “rules” when administering the assessment so that no one child gets more support or help than another and that the results can be directly compared.

With that in mind, it might seem like all gifted assessments are the same. This leads many parents to pick up the phone, call a few psychologists, inquire about their fee, schedule or time-frame of results. This makes sense with the idea that the assessment measures are standardized. What many parents may not realize is how crucial proper interpretation of test scores can be. While standard methods of evaluating results are often appropriate for many students, they may not fully capture your child’s unique strengths and potential. As experienced clinicians, we go beyond the basics. By thoughtfully combining scores or incorporating additional assessments when appropriate, we’re able to create a more complete and accurate picture of your child. This deeper level of analysis can help ensure your child is represented in the best possible light—particularly when applying to selective or competitive programs.

At RMPS, we do take that extra step of critically looking at a child’s assessment results to ensure that we really understand the child and their capacity. If we believe that a child’s performance and capabilities are better represented by combining scores in a different way or with additional testing, we will take those next steps for the benefit of the child. Our goal is to support children with accessing the programs that will best fit their needs. We do that in carefully considering our approach to assessment and interpretation..

You may expect the following at RMPS:

  1. Parent Interview and History. An elaborated discussion with parents to understand the developmental, medical, family, and educational history.
  2. Customized Assessment Plan. Designed such that it aligns with school requirements and the child’s particular background.
  3. Individual Testing Sessions. One or two individual sessions with a skilled clinician.
  4. Thorough Review and Reporting. Evaluation of results and writing of report
  5. Feedback and Discussion. Interactive meeting to discuss findings and next steps.
  6. Follow Up Support. An optional six week check in to respond to any questions and to come up with the next steps.

The goal of this multi-layered process is to ensure end-to-end support for families. RMPS equips parents with strategies and techniques to foster their child’s growth long term.

Why Westmount Charter School Requires a Gifted Assessment

Westmount Charter School is a renowned school for gifted children in Calgary. They require families to provide a formal gifted assessment as part of their admissions process. For families applying to Kindergarten through Grade 4, the application deadline for the upcoming school year is November 28. Details can be found on their official website: https://www.westmountcharter.com/admissions/k-4-admissions/

It’s important that parents understand that formal assessments do take time. It often takes a few weeks to a month to get the assessment done and the report written. So parents are encouraged to book early to ensure that the report is done before the Westmount’s November 28 deadline to reduce stress. At RMPS, the process includes a parent interview, 1-2 testing sessions, report preparation, and a meeting to discuss results. Westmount Charter School is famous in Calgary for being a dedicated program for gifted learners. Some things to know about gifted assessments when applying to Westmount Charter School:

Application Deadline:

RMPS wants to help families to have their assessment reports in time for  Westmount’s November 28 application deadline.

Narrow Scope of Assessment:

Westmount focuses mainly on admission requirements, not the child’s full developmental profile.

High Competition:

Admission is extremely competitive. A report  that is clear and written by a clinician who understands formal assessment as well as the admission criteria for Westmount can help to increase chances of acceptance.

One Size Fits All Results:

Applying to Westmount provides a simple yes or no outcome. But, even if your child isn’t accepted to Westmount, the assessment can still be a benefit to you and your child. RMPS delivers individualized recommendations that can benefit parents in making school or program decisions and also makes recommendations that can be helpful in any school setting.

In short, while Westmount may be the end goal for many families, a gifted assessment by RMPS can be helpful for your application to gifted programs and can also be helpful beyond your child’s application to a gifted program.

The RMPS Advantage: Beyond Admission Letters

Choosing RMPS is not just about preparing your child for school applications, it is about investing in a holistic understanding of their growth. Families benefit from:

  • Clarity for the Future: Insights into academic pathways, enrichment opportunities, and potential challenges.
  • Tailored Recommendations: Practical strategies for supporting children at home and in school.
  • Peace of Mind: Confidence that your child will be treated with care, dignity, and their performance on standardized assessment will be presented with understanding of the requirements of the program to which you are applying.
  • Flexible Use: RMPS assessments are used for a variety of uses including application to gifted programs, helping parents to understand their child’s learning profile, helping parents with selecting programs that fit their child’s learning strengths and challenges, or helping a potential school to understand more about a child..

Steps to Get Started with RMPS

The process of scheduling a gifted assessment is simple:

  1. Contact RMPS through rmpsychservices.com.
  2. Book an initial parent interview.
  3. Complete testing sessions with supportive clinicians.
  4. Receive results and actionable recommendations.
  5. Receive assessment report.
  6. Attend the follow up session for ongoing clarity and support (optional).

Most importantly, start early. Since the Westmount Charter School Kindergarten to Grade 4 application deadline is November 28, families who begin their assessments in advance have the best chance of submitting on time with confidence.

Closing Note

Formal assessment can help parents to answer the question or whether their child meets criteria for giftedness. A good and thorough assessment is not only a means to an end for the application process to gifted programs. It is also an opportunity to learn more about your child so that no matter what the outcome of the assessment, you will know your child better and can make an informed choice about schools, programs, or even approaches you use at home.

With RMPS, you gain not just a test score but a greater understanding of your child, tools to support their journey, and the confidence that you have chosen a partner committed to your child’s long term success.

If you are considering a gifted assessment, the time to act is now. Contact Rocky Mountain Psychological Services today and take the first step toward unlocking your child’s full potential.

Rocky Mountain psychological services Calgary

MacKenzie Ebel

MacKenzie is a Psychometrist/Psychological Assistant at RMPS. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Princeton University, where she also played 4 years for the women’s ice hockey team. She recently completed her Masters in Counselling Psychology through City University of Seattle. MacKenzie has worked with children, youth, and their families in a number of settings, through coaching, as a behavioural aid, and counselling through her internship placement. She is excited to continue learning about assessment administration, neurofeedback, and play therapy practices at RMPS! Currently, she is part of the assessment and neurotherapy team, as she completes her final capstone assignment and intends to join our counselling team as a Registered Provisional Psychologist.

Tammy Thomson

Tammy is a graduate of the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) program at Yorkville University and is trained at the master’s level in art therapy as a professional art psychotherapist and member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association. She brings more than 20 years of experience working with children, teens, and families in child development settings, children’s hospitals, and schools as an early childhood educator and elementary teacher. She completed a Bachelor of Applied Science specializing in Child Development Studies at the University of Guelph, Ontario and holds a Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. Tammy is a member of the Canadian Counsellor and Psychotherapy Association and College of Alberta Psychologists while pursuing her next goal of registration as a provisional psychologist. Tammy values a client-centered approach using play therapy and the expressive arts to support those who may find it difficult to articulate their thoughts and feelings with words. Children and families do not need any skill or prior art experience and the art studio is a safe place where children can gain a sense of independence, greater emotional regulation, and confidence through self-exploration. Expressive interventions in art therapy can treat behavioural issues, anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, physical and developmental disabilities, and attachment difficulties. As a parent of three young children herself, Tammy understands the complexities of family life using compassion to help parents feel more confident in their role of raising a successful family.

Raquel Freitas

Raquel is an Office Administrator at RMPS. Back in Brazil, her home country, she graduated as a Psychologist and worked as a clinician for the past 5 years. Although she loved working with children and adults, she discovered a new passion: manage the administrative tasks that keep the business running. 

As someone who is passionate about learning new things and developing new skills, with the career transition also came the decision to live abroad and explore a new culture. To serve empathetically and connect with people is Raquel’s main personal and professional goal.

Emma Donnelly

Emma is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in her hometown at Brandon University, after which she moved to Calgary to earn her Master’s of Science in School and Applied Child Psychology at the University of Calgary. Emma has a passion for working with children and families and has experience doing so in a number of settings, including schools, homes, early intervention programs, and within the community. She specializes in assessment, including psychoeduational, social-emotional-behavioural, and autism assessment. Emma uses a client centred approach to counselling, supported by cognitive behavioural therapy, as well as play-based and attachment-based techniques. She believes in meeting clients where they are at and prides herself in working together with her clients to achieve their goals, improve their functioning, and enjoy their daily life.

Amanda Stoner

Amanda is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Amanda earned her doctoral degree in Psychology at Brock University in Ontario in 2017, with a specialization in developmental psychology. Amanda provides formal assessment services at RMPS. 

Since 2009, Amanda has received formal training and work experience in private practice settings in conducting psycho-educational assessments for students ranging from preschool through university. Amanda is skilled at test administration, interpretation of data, and report writing for various referral questions including ADHD, Learning Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Giftedness, and Intellectual Disabilities. Amanda enjoys working with people of all ages from diverse backgrounds, and she tries to make the testing environment feel relaxed and comfortable while maintaining integrity in testing protocol.

Denise Riewe

Denise has completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences through the University of Lethbridge and a Master of Counselling with Athabasca University. She is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists and a member of the Psychological Association of Alberta. Denise has over 9 years of experience supporting children, youth and their families in both residential and community-based practices. Denise is experienced in working with high and at-risk youth, supporting children and their families with strength-based approaches. She practices from a client-center approach supported by Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Theraplay, and other play and art-based modalities.

John Pynn

John is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. He completed his Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. He brings more than 20 years of experience working with children, teens, and families in a variety of settings. He brings a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere to sessions. John uses an integrated counselling approach including client-centred, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focussed therapy (SFT) to find the best-fit for clients. He has experience with a variety of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, anger, self-
esteem, relationships, parenting, ADHD, grief/loss, addictions, and trauma. This broad experience comes from working in schools, social service agencies, group-care, and clinical settings. He also draws from the practical experience of being a parent to two teenagers as well as a husband. Supporting and empowering clients with mental health concerns is something John genuinely enjoys. John also provides counselling for adults and holds a Gottman level 1 certification for couples therapy.

Zara Crasto

Zara is a Psychometrist/Psychological Assistant at RMPS. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Calgary and her Graduate Diploma in Psychological Assessment at Concordia University of Edmonton. 

Zara has spent over five years working alongside children, adolescents, and their families in a variety of settings. These include public and private schools, in-home support, residential programs, early-intervention programs, and non-profit organizations. Currently, Zara is part of the assessment and neurotherapy team. As a lifelong learner, Zara plans to go back to graduate school and eventually become a psychologist one day.

Kellie Lanktree

Kellie is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. She completed a Bachelor of Child and Youth Care with the University of Victoria and a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology through the University of Lethbridge. Kellie has over 10 years experience supporting children and youth with developmental disorders/delays and their families. Kellie has experience working in schools, clinical settings, and within homes to provide support and therapeutic interventions. Through her time at RMPS, Kellie has also gained experience in helping individuals affected by trauma, grief/loss, separations, emotional dysregulation, depression, and anxiety. Kellie practices through developmental, attachment-based and trauma-informed lenses, and draws from a variety of play-based approaches such as Synergetic Play Therapy, Child-centered play therapy, DIR/Floortime, art-based mediums, and mindfulness-based practices. Kellie also provides Neurofeedback therapy, and is working on receiving her certification through BCIA. Kellie believes in meeting children and their families where they are at and that there is no “one size fits all” for therapy.