Who and which grades
Published coverageK-12 differentiation; Grades 2-6 pull-out; Grades 7-12 advanced pathways
Hillside Public Schools parent navigator Official local sources · reviewed 2026-09-08
Gifted and Talented Services,
made navigable.
Hillside reviews all students' performance data annually and also accepts teacher and family nominations. Family referrals are due May 15, while selection and Board appeals each have published 15-working-day windows.
Independent from Hillside Public Schools. Official district instructions always control.
What the official record confirms
Know the program.
Know the route.
Applicable school year: 2026-27. Bloomfield separates official requirements from our preparation guidance.
How students are considered
Published processAt year end, Hillside reviews student data that may include Naglieri, Grades 3-8 NJSLA, and benchmarks. Teachers may refer in spring or as needed, and families may nominate in writing to the principal by May 15 with student details and evidence of exceptional learning characteristics. A committee of at least four—including an administrator, multiple teachers, and counselor—compares each profile with local chronological peers.
What service can look like
Published modelK-12 classroom differentiation changes assignments, materials, assessment, grouping, and independent work. Grades 2-6 gifted pull-out meets twice weekly; identified Grades 3-6 instrumental-music students meet weekly. Grades 7-12 may receive elective enrichment, accelerated programs at HIA or WOK, Honors, and AP, with special topics and competitions across grades.
Your starting checklist
Turn the published process into clear next steps.
Confirm current instructions with the district before submitting. Bloomfield does not predict placement or reproduce protected assessments.
01Calendar May 15 and send a complete written family referral to the principal before that deadline.
02Explain the child's advanced need using concrete examples of problem solving, creativity, pace, subject strength, and work beyond grade level.
03Request the Naglieri, benchmark, NJSLA, referral, and other profile evidence reviewed against local peers.
04Ask whether the recommendation is differentiation, enrichment, twice-weekly pull-out, weekly gifted music, accelerated programming, Honors, or AP—and obtain the service schedule in writing.
05If appealing, act within 15 working days, identify the evidence or procedure in dispute, and preserve the committee response date for the separate Board deadline.
Primary sources
Read the published language yourself.
Last reviewed 2026-09-08. Program rules can change; verify the current school year with Hillside Public Schools before acting.