If your kid came home with a letter about GATE testing, or you heard another parent mention OLSAT, magnets, or “percentiles” at pickup, you’re not alone.
GATE in LAUSD is best understood as an educational identification/designation that can unlock certain services and (later) affect magnet applications. Not a trophy, not a prediction of your kid’s future, and definitely not a measure of worth.
What is GATE, anyway?
GATE stands for Gifted and Talented Education, and in LAUSD, it's basically a designation that signals your child has been identified as having high learning potential. It's not just a fancy label to flex, it actually opens doors, particularly when it comes to middle and high school applications.
The program has been around since the '80s (back when it was called MGM, Mentally Gifted Minors, which sounds very x-men, tbh). Today, GATE is broken into different categories and tiers, and the whole thing can feel like decoding a secret society.
How kids get identified
There are a few pathways into GATE, and they mostly kick off in 2nd grade. We’re not sure why no one seems to give parents any information on what the OLSAT test is so here you go!
The universal screening (OLSAT-8)
In LAUSD, the OLSAT-8 is used as a mandatory “Universal Screening” for all 2nd graders (it’s usually administered in March/April, timing can vary by school).
It’s a group test given during the school day.
It measures reasoning/problem-solving (more “how you think” than “what you memorized”).
If your child scores high enough, they may be identified as Gifted in the “High Ability” category.
You can opt out if you don’t want your student to take this test.
What if your child misses it (or isn’t in 2nd grade)? You’ll typically need to request testing through your school’s GATE coordinator. (More on exactly what to say + ask for below.)
Teacher recommendations
Teachers can also recommend students for further testing if they notice advanced abilities, even if the OLSAT didn't capture it. (Some kids are terrible at bubble tests but brilliant at many other things)
Parent requests
You can request testing yourself. If you think your child should be evaluated and they haven't been flagged, reach out to your school's GATE Coordinator (don’t have one? try calling 213-241-6500 or email [email protected])
You'll need to provide some evidence, like exceptional report cards, advanced test scores, or work samples that show your kid is operating above grade level.
The psychologist test: Going for intellectual ability
If your child scores in the top 1% on the OLSAT or is recommended for further evaluation, they may be invited to take an intellectual ability assessment. This is the one administered one on one by an LAUSD GATE psychologist, think of it as an IQ-style test.
And of course, parents be asking: Can you study for it?
Not really. These tests are designed to measure reasoning and cognitive ability, not memorized facts.
A note on OLSAT “pre-tests” + test prep workbooks
You’ll see a lot of OLSAT prep materials marketed to parents. Most experts recommend NOT BUYING OLSAT pre-tests. Two big reasons:
“Test contamination.” Heavy coaching can inflate scores in a way that doesn’t reflect day-to-day learning needs—then results are harder for schools to interpret.
Fit matters. If a child qualifies mainly due to intensive coaching, they may be placed into a program level that feels overwhelming, which can backfire emotionally and academically.
typical OLSAT questions
What is reasonable? Keeping it light:
Make sure your child is rested, fed, and knows it’s okay if some questions feel tricky.
If your kid gets anxious, practice general comfort skills (taking time, trying your best, moving on when stuck). Not “here are 200 OLSAT questions.”
LAUSD only accepts testing done by their own psychologists. Private evaluations can support a request for testing, but they won't count toward official GATE identification.
Gifted vs. highly gifted: Understanding the labels
Now for the part that gets a lot of attention: percentiles. It can feel intense, but the most helpful way to view this is: these are placement/eligibility thresholds LAUSD uses for certain options, especially magnets.
Here's the breakdown:
Gifted: Typically identified through the OLSAT or teacher recommendation. These kids qualify for standard GATE programming at their school.
Highly Gifted: Students who score at the 99.9th percentile or higher on the intellectual ability assessment. The golden ticket to Highly Gifted Magnet schools.
Highly Gifted Applicable: Students who score between the 99.5th and 99.8th percentile. They can get into HGM schools, but only if there are openings: and they're ranked by magnet points.
That 99.9% distinction can affect priority/eligibility for Highly Gifted Magnet options and can matter in competitive placement processes. It’s a designation used for access, not a “better kid” stamp.
What about twice-exceptional (2e)?
You might hear the term twice-exceptional (or "2e") thrown around. This refers to kids who are both gifted and have a learning difference: like ADHD, dyslexia, or autism. These kids are often super bright but struggle in traditional school settings because their needs aren't being met on both ends.
LAUSD does recognize 2e students, but navigating services for them can be tricky. Many parents find themselves advocating hard for both their child's IEP and GATE identification, which... yeah. That's a whole other jounrey. (If this is you, you're not alone, and there are parent groups that can help.)
How GATE differs from school to school
If you’ve never heard of ANY of this, you’re not alone. Not every school has the same GATE programming.
Some schools have dedicated GATE classes where identified students are grouped together. Others use a "cluster" model, where GATE kids stay in general ed classes but receive differentiated instruction. And some schools? They basically have no formal GATE program at all.
There are also Schools for Advanced Studies (SAS), which are LAUSD schools with a specific focus on serving gifted learners. Think of them as GATE-heavy campuses. But again, availability and structure vary wildly depending on where you live.
LAUSD does require schools to provide services for GATE-identified students, but what that looks like in practice is... inconsistent. If your neighborhood school doesn't have a strong program, this is where magnet points come into play.
The real benefit: Magnet points
Let's be honest: for many LA parents, the main reason to pursue GATE is this: magnet points.
When applying to magnet middle and high schools through the Choices system, having a GATE designation gives your child extra points in the lottery. And in a city where getting into a quality public middle or high school can feel like The Hunger Games, those points matter.
Highly Gifted status gives even more points. So if you're eyeing schools like Venice High's Magnet program, The Science Academy, GATE identification is basically required to be competitive.
A quick word on equity (and the “unwritten rules”)
GATE has a complicated history when it comes to equity. For decades, the program was criticized for being heavily white and Asian, with Black and Latino students significantly underrepresented.
LAUSD has tried to address this through programs like TIP (Targeted Identification Program), which aims to identify gifted students in historically underserved communities. They've also expanded universal screening to catch more kids who might have been overlooked.
But the reality is: gaps still exist, and a lot of it comes down to information and advocacy.
Here’s the “unwritten rules” part families share (often too late):
Universal screening helps, but it doesn’t cover every pathway. Families who know to ask about additional categories (like Creative Ability or Highly Gifted) may pursue extra steps that others never hear about.
Parent time + bandwidth matters. Families in lower-income areas or with less parent availability/involvement can miss out simply because they don’t know who to email, what to request, or what paperwork to submit.
School-to-school differences are real. The quality/visibility of GATE services and communication varies widely by campus.
If you’re reading this and thinking, “Wait, I didn’t know I could request that,” you’re exactly why this article exists. This system rewards insider knowledge: so let’s make it less inside.
This system rewards insider knowledge: so let’s make it less inside.
The downside: Is it always a good thing?
It can be helpful to have a GATE designation, especially for access and services. But it’s not automatically “good” in every situation. A few real tradeoffs to consider:
Pressure + identity stuff. Kids can internalize the label and feel like they have to always be “the smart one”… which can make normal struggle feel scary or shame-y.
Fixed mindset risk. Some kids start believing “you’re either gifted or you’re not,” instead of “skills grow with practice.” (And when something is hard? They may avoid it to protect the identity.)
Social isolation. Depending on the school model, being pulled for different work or placed in a separate class can feel isolating, or can create weird social dynamics.
Mismatch = stress. If placement happens based on intense coaching/testing performance rather than day to day learning needs, the academic pace can feel overwhelming.
If you’re on the fence, a useful question is: What problem are we trying to solve?
Boredom? Lack of challenge? Access to a particular program later? Or just FOMO?
Should you not have your child tested?
Real talk: Not every kid needs to be GATE identified, and that's okay.
Here are some reasons you might skip it:
Your child is already thriving. If they're happy, engaged, and challenged at their current school, the label might not add much.
The stress isn't worth it. Some kids get anxious about testing or feel pressure from labels.
You're not interested in magnets. If you're planning to stay at your neighborhood school or go private, magnet points might not matter to you.
Your kid is young. Some parents prefer to wait and see how their child develops before pursuing formal testing.
There's no one size fits all answer. YOU know your kid best.
Can kids be identified in multiple categories?
Yep! GATE identification isn't just about intellectual ability. LAUSD recognizes students in multiple categories, including:
High Ability (via OLSAT)
Intellectual Ability (via psychologist assessment)
Specific Academic Ability (advanced in a particular subject)
Leadership Ability
Your child could be identified in more than one. Parents can request testing for specific categories if they feel their child qualifies. Just reach out to your school's GATE Coordinator to start the process.
A practical guide: What to ask your school (copy/paste friendly)
If you want this to be actionable, here’s a simple way to approach it, especially if you’re trying to understand options without escalating everything into a whole big thing.
Step 1: Find the right person
Email your school’s main office and ask:
“Who is our school’s GATE Coordinator (or the staff member who handles GATE identification/testing)?”
Step 2: Ask the key screening/testing questions
You can copy/paste this:
> Hi! I’m a parent of a student in ___ grade (teacher: ___).
> Can you confirm the OLSAT universal screening schedule for this year (for 2nd grade it’s usually March/April)?
> Also—if a student misses the OLSAT or is not in 2nd grade, what’s the process to request testing, and what forms/deadlines should I know about?
> Thanks so much,
> ___
Step 3: If you’re exploring additional identification categories
Another copy/paste option:
> Hi! I’d like to understand the process to request GATE consideration in categories beyond High Ability, such as Specific Academic Ability, Creative Ability, Leadership Ability, and/or Highly Gifted consideration (if applicable).
> What documentation does the school accept (work samples, grades, teacher input, etc.), and what are the next steps/timelines?
Step 4: Bring “evidence” (keep it simple)
Helpful items can include:
Work samples (writing, math problem-solving, projects. Anything that shows advanced thinking)
Report card comments/grades
Notes on what your child is doing beyond grade level (books, interests, independent projects)
Teacher observations (often the most persuasive piece)
Step 5: Ask what services look like at your specific school
Because this varies a lot, ask directly:
“Do you offer a GATE class, a cluster model, or push-in/pull-out services?”
“How do teachers provide differentiation for identified students?”
“Is there a SAS pathway on campus or nearby?”
“Who can I contact if I don’t see services happening?”
The bottom line
GATE in LAUSD is best viewed as an access tool: it may help you get appropriate challenge/services now, and it can matter later for magnet points and program eligibility. It’s also okay to decide it’s not the right focus for your family right now.
If you’re curious, start with your school’s GATE coordinator, ask clear questions, and aim for fit over status. If your kid qualifies, great. If not, they’re still brilliant and capable and going to be just fine.
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