In accordance with House Bill 282, gifted and talented identification procedures are in place in the North Canton City Schools for kindergarten through grade 12.

Students can be identified as gifted in one or more of the following categories using State of Ohio criteria:

superior cognitive, specific academic (reading, math, science, and/or social studies), creative thinking, and visual/performing arts (art, instrumental and vocal music, dance, and drama). North Canton students will be academically screened with standardized testing using the Stanford and Otis Lennon tests. (The Ohio Department of Education has said OAA and OGT test scores may not be used to identify students.) A student may also be individually referred for testing at any time by teacher, parent, or self-request. Individual tests are scheduled twice a year – in the fall and spring. Visual and performing arts referrals are made by the districts’ arts teachers but can also be made by parents or students as well. These assessments take place on a Saturday at on out-of-district location in February.

To qualify for Galaxy (grades 3-5), Discover (grades 6-8), or Reach (grades 9- 11), a student must have an SAI score of 126+ on the standardized ability/cognitive test, like the Otis Lennon, and a national percentile (NP) total score of 95+ on a standardized math or reading achievement test, like the Stanford or Metropolitan. Students identified and currently receiving services through Galaxy, Discover, or Reach do not need to be re-identified to remain in the programs. To qualify as gifted in one of the visual and performing arts, an audition or display of work is required and the criteria vary by discipline.

If you have questions, please call Diane Oplinger, Supervisor of Gifted/Talented Services, at 330-497-5669, ext 360, or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .