Fairfax County Public Schools AAP (Advanced Academic Program)

What Is the Advanced Academic Program?

If you reside in Fairfax County and are wishing to register your child for their Advanced Academic Program, your child’s school will require them to take a gifted and talented assessment. Fairfax County has four levels of school services, three of which fall under the Advanced Academic Program. These are:

• Level 1 Critical and Creative thinking strategies (Grades K-6) – all students receive talent development lessons that use the nine critical and creative thinking strategies to challenge them academically
• Level II Differentiated Lessons in Areas of Academic Strengths (Grades K-6) – these lessons are given to children that display talent in specific academic areas. Students qualify for these services via a school-based screening committee
• Level III Part-Time Advanced Academic Program (Grades 3-6) – students are identified by a local school screening committee for this program. It aims to extend and enhance the standard FCPS curriculum by focusing on four core subject areas.
• Level IV Full-Time Advanced Academic Program (Grades 3-8) – students are selected by a central selection committee to take part in this program, which requires testing for admission. It aims to focus on academic depth and complexity in the four core subject areas.

What skills does the Fairfax County AAP test assess?

The AAP test focuses on reasoning abilities and problem-solving skills across several domains. Since it consists of the CogAT and NNAT, it assesses a spectrum of cognitive skills rather than standard academic knowledge:

• Verbal Reasoning (CogAT): The CogAT’s verbal battery measures reasoning with words and language. Students may face questions like analogies, classification of words, or sentence completion. This tests how well they understand relationships between concepts and vocabulary.
• Quantitative Reasoning (CogAT): The quantitative battery involves numerical and logical reasoning. Questions might include number analogies or pattern-based math puzzles. It’s not direct arithmetic drills, but rather seeing how children reason with numbers and basic math concepts to solve problems.
• Nonverbal/Figural Reasoning (CogAT & NNAT): Both CogAT (nonverbal battery) and NNAT focus heavily on nonverbal reasoning. These questions use shapes, patterns, and figures. For example, a child might have to identify which picture completes a pattern or how shapes relate to each other. This tests spatial visualization, pattern recognition, and the ability to reason without relying on words.

In short, the Fairfax AAP test assesses a child’s ability to think critically, recognize patterns, use logic, and solve novel problems. It’s designed to tap into higher-level thinking and creativity rather than rote memorization. Many parents describe the questions as “puzzles” – for instance, finding the missing piece in a geometric design, or figuring out an analogy like “A is to B as C is to ___”. These skills are good indicators of a student’s potential to handle the enriched and accelerated curriculum of the AAP Level IV program.

It’s also important to realize that the AAP test is norm-referenced – in other words, a child’s performance is compared to a national sample of peers of the same age/grade. High scores (especially in the top percentiles) suggest a child may benefit from gifted programming. Fairfax County uses those top scores to identify students for further AAP screening.

How Can My Child Enroll Onto the Fairfax County Public Schools AAP?

If you are interested in enrolling your child on to the level II or level III program, you must submit a referral form to the Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) at your child’s local school. From then, the AART will review all information with the local screening committee and a decision will be made within 30 days of the application being made.

For level IV services, this is more complex. Any student applying for full-time level IV services must have produced test scores from at least one ability test. The most common are CogAT and NNAT, however WISC is also accepted. Students with the highest test scores are submitted to a committee of educators from across the FCPS for further screening and a decision is usually made within 30 days.

When is the AAP test given, and what are the key dates to know?

The AAP testing and identification cycle in Fairfax County follows a yearly timeline:

• Fall (October of 2nd Grade): CogAT Administration. All FCPS 2nd graders take the Cognitive Abilities Test in the fall (usually mid-October) as the first step of Level IV screening. In the same window, any students in grades 3–7 who do not have an ability test score (for example, new students) may also take the CogAT, and some students might be allowed a one-time retest if approved.
• Fall (November): NNAT Make-ups (if needed). In some years, an NNAT might be given in November to students in grades 2–7 who missed the earlier testing or need an ability score on file. (This is essentially a make-up or alternative for those who didn’t get a CogAT score for some reason.)
• Spring (March of 1st Grade): NNAT Administration. All FCPS 1st graders take the NNAT in March as a universal screener. This early testing helps flag young students with high nonverbal reasoning ability and contributes to their 2nd grade screening profile.
• Early December (2nd Grade): Test Results and Screening Pool. Families receive the CogAT/NNAT score reports, typically within 1–2 months after testing (often by late November or December). Around early December, the county identifies the “2nd grade pool” – students whose scores meet a specific benchmark are automatically eligible for Level IV screening (often called “in pool”). Usually, the benchmark for automatic screening is a CogAT or NNAT score around 132 (about the 96th–97th percentile). FCPS notifies parents via email or letter if their child is in this pool.
• Referral Deadline (Mid-December): December 15 is the annual deadline for parents to submit a Level IV referral form if they want their child considered for AAP and the child is not already in the automatic pool. All 2nd graders not in the pool, and any students in grades 3–7 who wish to be screened, must have a referral submitted by this date. (No late referrals are accepted, so this date is critical!)
• Winter: Portfolio Preparation. After referrals, schools compile a screening portfolio for each candidate. Parents can also submit optional materials by the referral deadline, such as a parent questionnaire, up to four student work samples, awards, or even private test scores if they have them. Teachers will complete a HOPE Rating Scale (a gifted behavior rating) for each candidate, and report cards and any achievement test scores are added to the file. Essentially, this becomes a comprehensive packet showcasing the student’s abilities.
• Spring (March): Central Selection Committee Meets. In March, a county-level AAP committee (composed of educators and specialists) reviews all the screening portfolios – including test scores, teacher recommendations, academic history, and parent-provided materials. They discuss each student holistically to decide who qualifies for Level IV services.
• Early April: Decision Letters. Around the first week of April, eligibility decision letters are sent out to parents. If the child is found eligible (“accepted” into AAP Level IV), the letter will provide information about placement for the next school year. Families of eligible students typically attend AAP orientation sessions at the assigned center or local Level IV school in April. If a child is not found eligible, the letter will explain how to appeal.
• May: Appeals Deadline. Parents have the option to appeal a denial if there is substantial new information or extenuating circumstances. The appeal deadline usually falls about 2–3 weeks after decision letters (often by early May; in 2025 it’s May 1). Appeals are reviewed by a separate committee later in May.
• Fall of the Next School Year: Students who were found eligible and elected to accept Level IV placement will start attending the full-time AAP program in 3rd grade (or whatever entry grade, up to 8th) at either their local Level IV site or a designated AAP center school.

Keep track of these dates: Each year’s exact dates (especially test weeks and result mailings) can vary slightly, so always double-check communications from your school and the FCPS AAP website for the current year’s schedule. Mark the referral deadline on your calendar, as missing it means your child won’t be screened that year if they weren’t in the pool.

When should we start preparing for the AAP?

It’s never too early to start gently nurturing the skills that the AAP test measures. Many parents begin informal preparation well in advance – some even a year or more before 2nd grade. Here’s a timeline to consider:

• Kindergarten to Early 1st Grade: Focus on foundational skills through play. Encourage activities that build critical thinking, such as pattern blocks, puzzles, matching games, and reading books together (to grow vocabulary and comprehension). At this stage, keep it very light – the idea is simply to strengthen the brain in fun ways. You might play “spot the pattern” games with everyday objects or solve age-appropriate riddles. This is also a good time to introduce the concept of following directions and listening carefully, which are crucial test-taking skills.
• Later 1st Grade (months before NNAT in spring): You might introduce a few simple practice questions to familiarize your child with the idea of analogies or pattern matrices. Since all 1st graders will take the NNAT in March, by mid-1st grade you could show them a sample NNAT question (“Which shape completes the pattern?”) just so they aren’t seeing it for the first time on test day. Keep sessions short and game-like. Even doing one or two sample items every now and then can help. The goal here is familiarity, not intensive study.
• Summer before 2nd Grade: This is a popular time for parents to ramp up AAP test preparation more consciously. With the CogAT coming in the fall of 2nd grade, summer break provides a low-pressure opportunity to practice. During summer, consider setting aside a little time each week for fun practice activities. For example, one week you might do a verbal analogy worksheet; the next week, play a logic puzzle app together. If you have access to a practice workbook or online program (like Practice4You’s resources), plan a loose schedule – perhaps 20–30 minutes a few times a week. The key is consistency without burnout. Short, regular practice over the summer can significantly boost a child’s confidence and skills by the time school starts.
• Fall of 2nd Grade (just before CogAT): In the weeks leading up to the October CogAT, you can increase practice frequency a bit. Identify any areas where your child might need extra help – for instance, maybe they struggle a little with the quantitative section (number puzzles). You could focus practice on that area, using sample questions to reinforce strategies. However, be mindful not to overdo it and stress the child. The last few days before the test, it’s often better to review lightly and focus on encouragement, rather than trying to cram anything new. Ensure they know what to expect (e.g., “You’ll have a booklet with questions and you’ll fill bubbles for answers. Your teacher will explain everything, just do your best!”).
• Beyond 2nd Grade (for later testers): If your child will be screened in a later grade (say you moved to FCPS in 4th grade, or you plan to refer your older child again), you can adapt the timeline accordingly. Start a few months before the anticipated testing, but in a developmentally appropriate way. Older kids might handle slightly longer practice sessions. You can also involve them more in planning (ask them which area they feel they want to practice more). Just remember, even for older students, the principles of starting early, using varied materials, and keeping stress low still apply.

In summary, start preparing as early as you reasonably can, and spread out the practice over time. A gradual buildup is more effective and kinder to your child than a last-minute scramble. If you’re already late in the game (e.g., you just learned about the test and it’s a month away), don’t panic – you can still do a focused review of question types and test-taking tips in the time remaining. Just adjust the intensity to what your child can handle, and avoid creating panic. Some practice is always better than none, but ideally, give your child ample runway to learn and grow these skills.

The Fairfax County AAP Assessments

Students will take two aptitude tests during their time in the Fairfax County Public School System. In first grade, all students will complete the NNAT (Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test). In second grade, students will complete the CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test). The questions on these exams are somewhat challenging, even for adults. The material on these tests is not covered in your child’s curriculum, making these difficult to study for. Students that score well on these tests will have likely prepared in advance with study materials and online resources.

How to Prepare for the Fairfax County AAP Tests?

Gifted and talented programs are incredibly sought-after in Fairfax County. Therefore, it’s important for students to begin preparations as soon as they can. As the NNAT and CogAT tests do not cover material from your child’s curriculum, the best way to prepare for these tests is by studying with online practice exams, study guides, and sample questions.

Practice exams will often include questions like the ones your child will answer on the real test. Sample questions are a great way to get your child familiar with these tests and understand where their strengths and weaknesses lie. The great thing about sample questions and papers is that they can be taken multiple times, so if your child is struggling with a certain section they can continue to repeat until they feel they’ve understood what the section is asking for. Additionally, if your child is excelling at one section, they can spend less time practicing it.

Children that excel on the NNAT and CogAT aptitude tests will likely have spent time studying and preparing. To make sure your child has the best chances of gaining a place on the Fairfax County Advanced Academic Program, ensure they are prepared, self-assured, and confident by completing online practice exams.

For many children, studying and testing can be stressful, so make sure your study sessions remain light-hearted and productive, even if your child gets some questions wrong. Positive re-enforcement and practice materials will go a long way in giving your child the best chances of scoring high on these tests and getting a place on the AAP.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What Are the Key Differences Between Levels III and IV in the Fairfax County AAP?
  Level III is a part-time Advanced Academic Program for students in grades 3-6 identified by a local school screening committee. It extends and enhances the standard FCPS curriculum by focusing on four core subject areas. In contrast, Level IV is a full-time Advanced Academic Program for students in grades 3-8 selected by a central selection committee, requiring testing for admission. Level IV emphasizes academic depth and complexity in the four core subjects.
• How Often Are the NNAT and CogAT Tests Administered?
  In Fairfax County Public Schools, the NNAT (Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test) is administered once in first grade, while the CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) is administered once in second grade. These tests are designed to assess students’ aptitude and are important for identifying candidates for the Advanced Academic Program.
• Can Parents Appeal the AAP Admission Decision?
  Yes, parents can appeal the AAP admission decision. If a student is not initially accepted into the Level IV program, parents may submit an appeal to the central selection committee. The appeal process involves providing additional evidence of the child’s capabilities and any other relevant information to support their case.
• What Support Resources Are Available for Students Preparing for the NNAT and CogAT?
  Several resources are available to help students prepare for the NNAT and CogAT, including online practice exams, study guides, and sample questions. These materials can help students become familiar with the types of questions they will encounter and improve their performance on the tests. Additionally, some schools may offer preparation sessions or workshops.
• How Are Gifted and Talented Services Delivered in Fairfax County Public Schools?
  Gifted and talented services in Fairfax County Public Schools are delivered through various levels of the Advanced Academic Program (AAP). These include Level 1, which provides critical and creative thinking strategies for all students; Level II, which offers differentiated lessons in specific academic strengths; Level III, a part-time program that enhances the standard curriculum; and Level IV, a full-time program focusing on academic depth and complexity. These services are tailored to meet the needs of gifted students at different stages of their academic journey.