Raising a bright student in Texas? Our guide helps you maximize their potential within public school. Explore GT programs, Credit by Exam (CBE), early AP, and Dual Credit to ensure your child is challenged and achieves fast-track academic success. Plus, get instant access to downloadable CBE Official Prep Guide Files and FAQs.

Step 1: Gifted & Talented (GT) Programs in Elementary School

What is a GT Program?

Gifted and Talented programs are designed to meet the needs of high-ability students who perform—or show the potential to perform—at levels significantly above their peers.

These programs typically start in grades K and include:

• Pull-out enrichment classes (weekly or bi-weekly)
• Differentiated instruction in core subjects like math and reading
• Project-based learning and opportunities for creative problem-solving

How do students qualify?

Each school district sets its own identification criteria, but most include:

• Cognitive ability tests (e.g., CogAT, NNAT, WPPSI/WISC)
• Achievement tests (MAP, STAAR, etc.)
• Teacher/parent recommendations
• Classroom performance or portfolio reviews

Why it matters:

GT programs provide the first formal recognition of advanced learning potential. In some school district, it guarantees the acceleration in high school (e.g. KAP program in Katy); while in others, it offers a specific track for GT students (e.g. SBAI program in Spring Branch) or qualifies the student for future selection (e.g. Vanguard program in Houston).

Step 2: Acceleration Options in Middle School

Starting in grades 6–8, school districts offer more defined acceleration paths, especially in math and language arts.

How does middle school Math acceleration look like?

• Typically, acceleration enables students to complete Algebra I by grade 7 or 8
  • If a student is capable of learning ahead on their own, they can also test out of entire courses with Credit by Exam (CBE)

What is Credit by Exam (CBE)?

Credit by Exam (CBE) is a testing process offered by Texas public schools that allows students to accelerate their academic journey by demonstrating mastery of course content without formally attending the classes. Through standardized assessments administered by school districts, students who achieve a required passing score—typically 80% or higher—can earn immediate credit for specific courses. CBE tests are commonly available across subjects such as math, science, English, and social studies, with math being one of the most popular areas for acceleration. Successful completion of CBEs can position students for more advanced courses, creating greater flexibility and opportunities for specialized academic tracks, including early enrollment in AP and Dual Credit courses.

How do students qualify?

While specifics vary slightly by district, common qualifications include:

• Updated cognitive test results (CogAT, NNAT, WISC)—often required for advanced placement recommendations
• Achievement tests (MAP, STAAR) with a common cutoff of around 90%
• CBE tests with a mandatory score ≥80% to skip the course immediately
  • Students scoring between 70%-80% are typically eligible for a make-up test in November

Case Example

Two students at Think Academy shared their academic goals with us, along with the tailored acceleration plans designed by Think Academy advisors. These examples illustrate how clear goals combined with strategic planning can leverage CBE testing opportunities, enabling ambitious students to maximize their potential in Texas public schools.

Case 1: Saiwen

• Timeline: Joined Think Academy Math 8 in spring, aiming for high performance on STAAR exams in May to qualify for accelerated classes.
• Acceleration Path: Successfully tested out of Math 8, started Geometry early (Grade 8), and progressed to Algebra 2 by Grade 9.
• Acceleration Outcome: Accelerated two years ahead by leveraging the CBE pathway during summer between grades 7 and 8.

Case 2: Nuowen

• Timeline: Took private tutoring in Algebra 1 during spring of Grade 7.
• Acceleration Path: Passed CBE Algebra 1 exam in June/July, skipped Algebra 1 officially, and enrolled in Geometry by Grade 8, followed by Algebra 2 in Grade 9.
• Additional Enrichment: Participated in Think Academy AMC 10 Intro courses in summer, and AMC 10 AIME preparation the following spring.
• Acceleration Outcome: Successfully accelerated two academic years and strategically aligned course acceleration with competitive math enrichment.

Why it matters:

Middle school Math acceleration is critical for the STEM AP selection in high school. Without middle school acceleration, a student would not have time for any AP courses. The subjects (Math 6 and PreAlgebra) are also easier to skip compared to high school Math.

Step 3: High School Acceleration & College Credit

By high school, acceleration becomes more customized and strategic.

Common acceleration programs in high school:

• Advanced Placement (AP) Courses Earn college credit while in high school Popular for math (AP Calc), science, English, history, and more
• Dual Credit / Dual Enrollment Take college classes for credit while still in high school, often in partnership with local community colleges. In Texas, it is also available at UT campuses

How do students qualify?

Most school districts set these courses as open enrollment, but would suggest the student has:

• Achievement tests (MAP, STAAR, etc.) , cut-off being 90%
• Completion of Algebra 1 before general AP selection; Completion of Algebra 2 before Math AP selection (PreCal, Cal, Stats, etc.)

Why it matters:

High school acceleration is important for college application. Colleges look for students who seek academic rigor. Taking advanced courses (e.g., AP, Dual Credit) shows: initiative, strong work ethic and readiness for college workload

Top universities often say:

“We’d rather see a B in an AP class than an A in a regular class.”

Bonus: Students who follow this track are also well-positioned for competitive math competitions like AMC 10/12, AIME, or even college-level problem solving.

Should You Accelerate Your Child?

Every child develops at their own pace. Acceleration is not just about “going faster”—it’s about better matching the curriculum to the learner’s readiness.

Acceleration may be right if your child:

• Frequently finishes work early and seeks new challenges
• Has deep curiosity or asks advanced-level questions
• Shows strong reasoning or analytical skills
• Gets bored or distracted in a standard-paced classroom

But be mindful:

• Emotional maturity matters
• Acceleration should not mean skipping foundational skills
• Family support and time management are critical

Final Tips for Parents

• Start planning early—many acceleration decisions (especially GT placement) are made by G1–G3
• Test strategically—ask your school when GT screening or CBEs happen
• Keep a record—of test scores (STAAR, MAP, etc.), projects, teacher feedback
• Talk to your school—gifted coordinators or counselors can walk you through the process
• Think long-term—acceleration today may influence high school and even college pathways

About Think Academy

Navigate your child’s educational journey with expert guidance from Think Academy, part of TAL Education Group. We provide valuable educational research and insightful analyses to help parents and students strategically plan for long-term academic growth in K–12 education. Trust Think Academy for authoritative information and resources to ensure informed decisions and successful educational outcomes.

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