Seattle Public Schools to phase out HCC program amid equity concerns. (AI Image)

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) has decided to dismantle its gifted and talented program, sparking widespread debate among parents, educators, and the community. The decision, which began in 2021, aims to phase out the highly capable cohort (HCC) schools by the 2027-2028 school year, citing racial disparities in the program’s demographics as the primary reason.The program, designed for students scoring in the 98th percentile or higher, previously served advanced learners at 11 specialized schools, including three elementary, five middle,_green and three high schools. However, a 2020 SPS task force report highlighted a significant overrepresentation of white and Asian students, prompting the district to prioritize racial equity over the continuation of the program.Addressing racial gaps in educationThe SPS task force noted that the Seattle community expressed discomfort with the racial disparities in the HCC schools, where white and Asian students dominated the enrollment. Fox News reported that the program was among the least diverse in the U.S., with limited access for underrepresented groups. Critics argue that the program’s structure, which often required parents to transport children to testing centers on Saturdays with only one opportunity to qualify, favored more privileged families who could afford private testing.In response, Washington state introduced a law mandating universal testing to identify gifted students from all backgrounds. Anticipating an influx of students, SPS opted to close the HCC schools and integrate gifted learners into mainstream classrooms under a new “highly capable neighborhood” model starting next school year. However, doubts persist about the district’s ability to deliver on its promise of specialized instruction for these students.Financial and educational implicationsThe decision also has financial underpinnings. According to parent Parmar, the cost per student at Cascadia Elementary, an HCC school, was approximately $7,000—about 50% less than many neighboring schools. Despite this efficiency, SPS is replacing the program with what some, like parent Kiley Riffell, call “empty promises, zero plan, and zero funding.” Teachers are now tasked with creating individualized learning plans for every student, a requirement many believe is unfeasible due to limited time and resources.Potential consequences for studentsParents like Katie McAllister, whose son learned to read at age 4, worry about the impact on gifted learners. She described the program as a “lifesaver,” noting that her son would have struggled in a regular classroom. Critics warn that this move could disproportionately harm low-income gifted students, as wealthier families may opt for private schools or better districts, leaving others in under-stimulating environments. As the debate continues, the decision underscores the tension between equity and educational excellence in public schools.