IUSD gifted-program readiness starts in grades 2 and 3.
Two stages
- Foundations (G2): math and logic, reading, writing; enroll per subject; 35 weeks.
- Grade 3 Sprint (G3): 75 lessons across three subjects targeting all four APAAS assessment areas; 25 weeks.
Read more: A guide to Irvine’s GATE and APAAS programs.
Summer: APAAS summer sprint for rising 3rd graders.
How to start
Start with a placement assessment. We use it to set the level and class, then confirm the year plan with the family. For schedules, tuition, and bundle offers, request the 2026-27 program guide through the form below.
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Contact a course advisorFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Irvine's GATE and APAAS?
They are two parts of what Irvine Unified School District offers advanced learners. GATE stands for Gifted and Talented Education; APAAS is the Alternative Program for Academically Advanced Students. Our guide to Irvine's GATE and APAAS programs explains what each one involves.
Should Irvine families start preparing in second grade?
Second grade is where this track begins. The foundations class runs 35 weeks in three subjects, math and logic, reading, and writing, and can be taken one subject at a time. The aim is to build the underlying skills before selection, leaving third grade for the assessment itself.
How long is the grade 3 sprint?
Seventy-five lessons across three subjects over 25 weeks, covering all four APAAS assessment areas. Compared with the grade 2 foundations class, the sprint shifts from building general skills to working through the assessed content area by area. Families usually take it during the third grade year, after the foundations class.
Can we enroll in only one subject?
In the grade 2 foundations class, yes. Math and logic, reading, and writing are each open for separate enrollment, so a family can start with the weakest area. The grade 3 sprint is planned as a single 75-lesson program across the three subjects.
Is there a summer option for Irvine families?
Yes, the APAAS summer sprint for rising third graders, running full day for about four weeks per session. Families often use the summer for concentrated work across the four assessed areas and then continue into the school-year course without a gap.
