Children who scored at a level 4 on both the state reading and math exams in 3rd and 4th grade last May may now apply for district gifted and talented programs, although the number of seats available is "extremely limited" according to the Department of Education. Applications are due by Aug. 31.

The usual entry point for elementary G&T programs is in kindergarten or 1st grade when placement in a district program is guaranteed for children who score at the 90th percentile or above on the OLSAT and Bracken assessments. The same assessments are used for 2nd grade although high-scorers are not guaranteed a seat. For older elementary grades, when far fewer spaces are available, eligibility depends on student standardized test scores.

The Department of Education website lists the schools that have G&T classes for 4th and 5th grades, although not all schools have openings. Students will be placed by lottery. Fifth graders may only apply to schools that serve grades K-6 or K-8.

To find out whether your child is eligible, check his test score now available on the ARIS parent link. For parents without internet or computer access, the DOE has set up stations at local libraries this week where parents can see their children's scores. Apply online or by mail by Wednesday, Aug. 31. Students from private schools may also apply but parents need to mail their child's complete school records to the DOE by Aug. 31. Check the website for more details.

Students new to New York City who took G&T tests this summer for placement in the lower elementary grades should get the results by Tuesday, Aug. 30.