Gifted Assessments

Helping you understand and nurture your child’s unique ways of learning and thinking.


Is a gifted assessment right for your child?

If you’re noticing that your child learns quickly, asks thoughtful or complex questions, or seems out of step with the pace of the classroom, a gifted assessment can offer clarity. Some children show early strengths or a strong drive to learn; others feel bored, frustrated, or misunderstood in school settings. A gifted assessment helps determine whether these patterns reflect advanced cognitive abilities and what environments or opportunities may best support your child’s growth.


What a gifted assessment can help clarify

A gifted assessment gives you a clearer picture of your child’s strengths and how they learn best. It can highlight things like:

  • advanced reasoning and problem-solving

  • strong verbal ability or early language development

  • creative and flexible thinking

  • fast learning or strong memory

  • deep curiosity and a desire for challenge

  • uneven development (what some call asynchronous growth)

  • feelings of frustration or boredom in the classroom

  • whether your child meets the criteria for gifted programming

When you understand how your child thinks and learns, you’re better positioned to choose the right kind of enrichment, placement, or supports that will help them flourish at school and beyond.

What we look at

A gifted assessment explores your child’s intellectual and academic strengths. It can confirm eligibility for gifted programs and guide enrichment or acceleration opportunities.

You can choose from two approaches:

  • Cognitive Only: looks at reasoning, memory, and problem-solving to understand intellectual ability.

  • Cognitive + Academic: includes the same cognitive testing plus reading, writing, and math to provide a more complete learning profile.

Many families choose the full Cognitive + Academic option so they can see both intellectual strengths and academic skills together.

What you'll walk away with

The goal is to help you understand how your child learns best and how to nurture those strengths both at home and at school. You’ll walk away with:

  • A clear picture of your child’s intellectual and academic strengths

  • A statement of eligibility for gifted programs based on school-board criteria

  • Practical recommendations for enrichment, acceleration, or classroom support

Our approach to supporting gifted learners

We take a strength-based, whole-child approach to gifted assessment. Cognitive scores are informative, but they are only part of the picture.

We also consider the child’s development, emotional needs, learning style, and the environments that bring out their best. Our recommendations are practical, individualized, and grounded in a deep understanding of your child’s abilities and personality.

Who we support

We support children and young people who:

  • are showing advanced reasoning or learning compared to their peers

  • are seeking more challenge or stimulation in school

  • are deeply curious and eager to learn

  • experience uneven learning patterns and could use clarity around their strengths

  • are being considered for gifted programming or private school options

  • have been recognised by teachers as having high learning potential

  • are bright but not fully engaged or thriving in the classroom

If you’re unsure whether a gifted assessment is the next step, let’s explore it together during a complimentary consultation.

Why families choose to get a gifted assessment

Families often look into a gifted assessment when:

  • they’d like a clearer picture of how their child learns and what they’re ready for

  • school-based assessments are delayed, limited, or unavailable

  • they’re exploring gifted or enrichment program options

  • their child is feeling under-challenged, disengaged, or frustrated at school

  • they want strategies that truly match their child’s unique learning profile

  • they’re hoping to better understand both their child’s strengths and where added stretch or support could help

Many families share that gaining this clarity brings relief. It helps them feel more confident about what’s right for their child and more informed about the next step.

How it works

  • A gray circle with the number one inside.

    Free consultation

    We’ll talk through your goals and help you choose the best testing option.

  • Placeholder image with a stylized number 2 in white on a gray background.

    Intake interview (1 hour)

    Gather background information about your child’s learning history and enrichment needs.

  • A black circle with a large gray number three inside.

    Testing

    Standardized assessments that measure intellectual and, if chosen, academic abilities.

  • Number 4 inside a circle

    Feedback session (1 hour)

    Review results together and discuss recommendations.

  • Number 5 inside a circle

    Report

    Receive a summary letter immediately after feedback and a full written report within four weeks. Rush options are available.

Quick feedback and reports available

Receive a summary letter right after feedback and a full written report within six to eight weeks. Rush options are available.

Fees & insurance

$1,500 – $2,000 CAD, depending on the testing scope. Partial coverage may be available through extended health plans. We’ll review costs and insurance options with you before starting, so there are no surprises.

Frequently asked questions
about gifted assessments

What is a gifted assessment?

A gifted assessment is a standardised evaluation of cognitive abilities (sometimes paired with academic testing) that helps build a clear understanding of your child’s learning profile and advanced reasoning skills. It can offer insight into how your child learns and what kinds of environments may best support their growth.

How do I know if my child should be assessed for giftedness?

Many advanced learners show strong reasoning, rapid learning, early language development or deep curiosity. Others may feel under-challenged or disengaged at school. If you’re unsure whether an assessment is the right step, we can help you explore this during your free consultation.

What qualifies a child as gifted?

School boards often rely on standardised cognitive assessments and, in some cases, academic achievement testing. We can help you understand the criteria used by your child’s school board and how a gifted assessment aligns with those expectations.

What IQ score is associated with giftedness?

Some programs use specific cutoff scores, but giftedness is more than a single number. We look at your child’s overall cognitive pattern (including their strengths, learning style and areas where they may need more stretch or support) to offer a thoughtful, well-rounded understanding.

At what age can giftedness be identified?

Early signs may appear in preschool years, but formal cognitive testing is most reliable from age six and up. If you’re unsure about timing, we can talk through what makes sense during your consultation.

What is the difference between Cognitive Only and Cognitive + Academic assessments?

Cognitive Only assessments focus on reasoning, memory and problem-solving. Cognitive + Academic assessments include reading, writing and math to offer a more complete picture. Some school boards require both, and we can help you choose the option that fits your child’s needs.

Will this assessment determine eligibility for gifted programs?

Yes. If your child meets the relevant criteria, your report can be used when requesting school-based gifted identification. We can also help you understand how to navigate the school system and what advocacy may look like.

Do gifted children experience challenges?

Some gifted learners experience emotional sensitivities, uneven development, frustration when they’re not challenged or feeling out of sync with peers. Understanding their learning profile can support both their strengths and their overall well-being. If extra support is needed, families can also explore child therapy.

How long does the assessment process take?

Most gifted assessments include an intake meeting, a testing session, a feedback meeting and a written report. Reports are typically ready within four to six weeks.

Is this assessment covered by insurance?

Some extended health benefit plans cover psychological assessments in part or in full. We can review your plan with you before beginning so you know what to expect.

Ready to learn more about your child’s strengths?

If you’re ready to gain a clearer understanding of your child’s learning profile and explore what will help them thrive, we’re here to support you.

Book a free consultation with us