Referring a Student
This year’s referral deadlines are:
Oct. 2, 2026 for students currently in grades 2-12
Feb. 26, 2027 for students in grades K-1 who are enrolled in Chesterfield County Public Schools.
The online Gifted Education Referral and Review form must be submitted to begin the gifted evaluation process. Verbal or email communications do not serve as a substitute for this form.
Referrals for students in certain grade levels are accepted during specific times of the school year, prior to each evaluation window. Referrals must be submitted during the appropriate window. These timelines allow enough time to complete assessments, gather information, and carefully review each student’s needs while coordinating with other school division processes. A student may be evaluated once per school year.
Referrals are processed after the referral period ends. Once this occurs, parents/guardians receive a letter from the school that provides:
Notification that their child has been referred for evaluation or placement review;
Information about the assessment process;
General timeline for the administration of assessments and notification of decisions;
Notice that results and decision documents for CCPS students will be provided through ParentVUE;
Contact information for division personnel available to answer questions;
Opportunity to decline consent for the evaluation by opting the student out of the evaluation process; and
Instructions for completing the online CCPS Home Perception Inventory.
Following the notification letter, specific group assessment dates are communicated separately by the school responsible for administering them.
New Residents Moving Into Chesterfield County
When enrolling children in Chesterfield County Public Schools, parents/guardians need to notify the school if the student was identified for gifted services in the previous school system so the appropriate records may be obtained. The following documentation must be obtained from the child's previous school:
Letter or school document stating eligibility for gifted services
School document providing information on the type of program placement
Scores from aptitude, achievement or creativity assessments given in a school setting
After Chesterfield County Public Schools confirms gifted identification and placement from the previous school system, the student will be provisionally placed in CCPS services most comparable to those previously received. The student will then be automatically evaluated for gifted eligibility using Chesterfield County Public Schools criteria during the next available assessment window and will remain in the provisional placement through the school year in which the evaluation occurs. A previous gifted identification in another school system does not guarantee eligibility for CCPS gifted services.
If the student is found eligible, CCPS gifted services will begin the following school year. If the student is found ineligible, provisional gifted services will end at the conclusion of the school year in which the evaluation occurred
Private School and Homeschooled Chesterfield Residents
A fall assessment opportunity is available for students in grades 2-12 who are Chesterfield County residents but who are not enrolled in Chesterfield County Public Schools. This evaluation is used to determine gifted eligibility and placement prior to enrolling in CCPS for the following school year. They may be referred by submitting the online Gifted Education Referral and Review form before the fall referral deadline. Students may not be evaluated in anticipation of moving to Chesterfield County.
The referral will be processed by staff at the school in the student’s attendance zone. Any required testing will occur at this location based on the testing schedule established by that school. The parent/guardian is responsible for transporting their student to testing sessions. Other required components of the identification protocol such as grades, work samples and teacher perception inventories will be requested from the student’s current, non-CCPS school. These components must be provided to determine eligibility for services.
Programs & Services
Chesterfield County Public Schools provides a continuum of gifted education services designed to meet the academic and developmental needs of identified gifted students. Learn more about 2 types of gifted services in our Gifted Education Services Summary.
School-Based Gifted (SBG) Program
Services in the SBG Program are designed to support the development of advanced academic skills, critical thinking, and habits of mind associated with gifted learners. Students receive differentiated instruction within the general education setting through intentional cluster grouping of identified gifted students, with activities designed to address their identified areas of strength. Trained teachers of the gifted use a variety of instructional strategies to modify instruction based on students’ readiness, achievement, and interests, including increased rigor, advanced pacing, and differentiated assignments.
Enrichment opportunities are embedded within instruction and may include curriculum extension, problem-based learning, and opportunities for students to explore content in greater depth and complexity.
Center-Based Gifted (CBG) Program
The CBG Program provides full-time gifted services for eligible students in grades 3–8. In this model, students receive instruction in core content areas within a cohort of identified gifted learners eligible for the program option, with learning experiences designed to provide increased depth, complexity, rigor, and challenge.
Instruction within the CBG Program incorporates advanced content, accelerated pacing, and a range of enrichment experiences that extend beyond grade-level expectations. Students engage in interdisciplinary learning, problem-solving, and opportunities for independent and collaborative work within a rigorous academic environment.
High School Gifted Services
In grades 9–12, gifted students continue to have access to differentiated and advanced learning opportunities designed to provide appropriate rigor, depth and complexity. Course options may include honors, Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses. Additionally, Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School, Appomattox Regional Governor’s School, CodeRVA and specialty centers within Chesterfield County Public Schools provide opportunities for students to pursue advanced study in areas of strength and interest.
Governor’s School FAQS
Students with a primary residence in Chesterfield County may apply to two regional governor’s schools. Beginning in October each year, eligible eighth graders may apply through the CCPS application portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Applicants should review the information provided on this page before applying. This information is specifically for applicants from Chesterfield County and may differ slightly from information provided on governor’s school websites.