How to get your child assessed for gifted in BC

What BC means by gifted

BC's Ministry of Education describes a gifted student as one with demonstrated or potential abilities that show exceptionally high capability in intellect, creativity or the skills of a specific subject, together with extraordinary task commitment. Gifted students can also have learning or other disabilities at the same time.

In BC public schools this is an official designation, Category P (Gifted). To be designated, a student has to be assessed and identified, and must have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) that describes how the school will meet their needs.

Schools don't automatically test every child

In Vancouver, identification starts in the regular classroom. The district's gifted education procedure says referrals can begin with the student or the parents, then go through the classroom teacher to the school-based team and a district screening process.

In practice, that means it often depends on a parent or teacher asking. If you think your child may be gifted, you can raise it.

How to ask your school

Start with your child's classroom teacher. Describe what you see at home and bring examples: books they read, problems they solve, projects they start on their own.

Ask the teacher to bring your child to the school-based team (sometimes called the resource team). Putting the request in writing helps keep a record.

The school-based team decides on next steps, which can include classroom enrichment, district screening, or a recommendation for a psycho-educational assessment.

School assessment vs. private assessment

School psychologists assess students the school team refers. Wait times depend on the district and on how many students need assessments.

Some families choose a private psycho-educational assessment from a registered psychologist. Vancouver's MACC program accepts a psychological assessment as part of its referral documents.

Private assessments have a fee. As one example, the UBC Psychology Clinic lists a sliding scale of $360–$1,300 for a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment, based on household income. Private practices set their own prices, so ask for a quote and for what's included.

What a gifted designation can lead to

Vancouver: classroom and school-wide enrichment, challenge programs, and MACC full-time gifted classes for Grades 5–7 (40 spaces across the district). A psycho-educational assessment is required for full-time MACC placement.

Burnaby: MACC classes are being phased out, with no new Grade 4 intake for 2026–27, and the BETA mini school closed starting in 2025–26.

The UBC Transition Program, an early university entrance program, has paused admissions. Its last update says the pause continues for 2025/26.

Outside school, contests like Math Kangaroo and the University of Waterloo math contests are open to every child, designation or not.