LAUSD SAS and Gifted Magnet Verification of Eligibility: the 2027–28 form and November 20 deadline

The Grades 1–12 Verification of Eligibility form covers SAS, Gifted Magnet, and IHP applicants from non-LAUSD schools. For SAS, incoming kindergarteners enrolled in a non-LAUSD preschool or TK use the separate SAS Kindergarten form. The school must submit the applicable form by November 20, 2026; the Choices application is due November 6. (LAUSD GATE/SAS timeline, Grades 1–12 form, and SAS Kindergarten form, Checked October 17, 2026.)

What is the difference between Schools for Advanced Studies and Gifted Magnet programs?

SAS is a school designation for exemplary GATE implementation. Gifted Magnets are a separate program option, and LAUSD says magnet programs cannot receive the SAS designation. (LAUSD SAS page and GATE Program Options, Checked October 17, 2026.)

Who has to submit the Verification of Eligibility form?

Students currently enrolled in an LAUSD school do not submit this form for an on-time application; the District verifies eligibility with school staff. Students currently enrolled in a private school, independent charter, or other non-LAUSD school must submit it, including incoming kindergarteners enrolled in a non-LAUSD preschool or TK. This applies even if a non-LAUSD student was previously identified as gifted by LAUSD. (LAUSD GATE/SAS verification instructions and Grades 1–12 form, Checked October 17, 2026.)

For an incoming kindergartener not enrolled in preschool or TK, use LAUSD's Parent/Guardian Guide for applicants not enrolled in preschool/TK. Submit Choices by November 6, 2026, then email GATE@lausd.net by November 20, 2026 with the subject “Verification Process” to initiate the alternate verification process. (LAUSD GATE/SAS page and Parent/Guardian Guide, Checked October 17, 2026.)

Which SAS, Gifted Magnet, and IHP eligibility criteria count?

For Grades 1–12, the same form covers SAS, Gifted Magnets, and Individualized Honors Programs (IHP). The student must meet one of three criteria by the deadline: LAUSD gifted identification in an eligible category; qualifying scores on a District-approved achievement test in 2026; or all four critical-thinking and problem-solving skills in the student's primary language, plus the ability or strong potential to work two years above grade level. The form includes students from private schools, independent charters, and other non-LAUSD schools, including applicants previously identified as gifted by LAUSD. For the test-score route, national percentile scores of 85 or above require both reading and math results. (LAUSD Grades 1–12 Verification form, Checked October 17, 2026.)

Kindergarten uses a separate SAS form. Ask the preschool now to complete the readiness checklist: the preschool teacher completes it and the principal signs the form. The preschool must be officially licensed and registered. The child must meet at least 10 checklist items and all four critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Sample readiness items include following multi-step directions, recognizing and creating complex patterns, counting aloud to 100, and telling or retelling a story with detailed description. (SAS Kindergarten Verification form, Checked October 17, 2026.)

How do I complete and submit the Verification of Eligibility form?

Download the correct fillable PDF form, Kindergarten or Grades 1–12, from LAUSD. The parent or guardian signs the authorization and gives both pages to the current school. School staff complete the verification; the teacher and principal sign, then the school emails page 1 only to giftedverification@lausd.net. This is not the Choices application. (LAUSD SAS forms and instructions and Grades 1–12 form, Checked October 17, 2026.)

Submit the Choices application by November 6, 2026 and have the school submit the form by November 20, 2026. (LAUSD SAS timeline, Checked October 17, 2026.)

What happens if I miss the November 20 deadline?

No late form is accepted for the on-time process, and the school administrator's recommendation is final. (LAUSD SAS verification instructions and official form, Checked October 17, 2026.)

LAUSD sources conflict on when late applications open: the Enrollment Calendar and Choices brochure say December 1, 2026; the GATE/SAS page says February 1, 2027 (all checked October 17, 2026). Treat neither as a confirmed fallback.

What happens after I submit the form?

LAUSD lists Program Eligibility Notifications for January 2027 (LAUSD has not announced the day). If selected, families must accept or decline placement by March 5, 2027. (LAUSD SAS timeline, Checked October 17, 2026.)

Do students who live in an SAS-designated school's attendance area need to apply through Choices?

No. A qualified student who lives within the SAS school's attendance boundary receives services through the resident school and does not need a Choices application for that school. The SAS site verifies the student's eligibility. (LAUSD SAS page, Checked October 17, 2026.)

How do families apply to an SAS-designated affiliated charter school?

Apply through the Affiliated Charter Schools section of Choices, not SAS. If selected and the student meets an SAS criterion, the school provides its GATE services. Affiliated charter sites do not use the SAS Verification of Eligibility process; contact the school about services. (LAUSD SAS page, Checked October 17, 2026.)

Before November 20

• Submit Choices by November 6, 2026; ask the non-LAUSD school to submit the correct form by November 20, 2026.
• For an incoming kindergartener not enrolled in preschool/TK, use LAUSD's parent/guardian guide and email GATE to initiate the alternate process.
• Keep a copy and check Choices for updates.

The application and form deadlines above are confirmed by the LAUSD SAS timeline (Checked October 17, 2026).