Get Your Child into Calgary's GATE Program
Bluebird Psychology provides the IQ and academic assessments CBE requires for GATE admission, completed by Psychologists.
What CBE requires for GATE entry
An IQ score of 130+
A cognitive assessment (FSIQ or GAI) at or above the 98th percentile, completed by a registered psychologist using the WISC-V.
This must be completed after age 7
An academic skills test
A separate assessment measuring reading, math, and written expression that has been completed within 1 year of your application date.
Application deadlines
Application deadlines are determined by the CBE. Consult with your child’s current school to ensure that your assessment is done within the appropriate timelines.
How the assessment process works
Book a consultation (optional!)
Email us or schedule a free 15-minute consult with one our psychologists to discuss your child's needs and confirm timing. We'll let you know which assessment package is right for GATE applications and what to bring with you to the appointment.
Complete the cognitive assessment (WISC-V)
A psychologist administers a standardized IQ test in a comfortable, child-friendly setting. Most sessions take 2–3 hours and feel more like puzzles than a test. If your child does not meet the 130 IQ criteria after this session, you can choose not to move forward with the academic skills assessment and written report.
Complete the academic skills assessment
We also assess reading, math, and written expression , which is the second component CBE requires.
Receive your report
We provide a written report meeting CBE's exact requirements. We'll walk you through the results and answer any questions you may have about the assessment.
Calgary Gifted Programs We Assess For
Not sure if your child is gifted?
Many families come to us unsure whether their child will qualify. That's completely normal - giftedness isn't always obvious, and some gifted children struggle in school rather than excel. We're happy to discuss the signs and help you decide if an assessment makes sense, with no pressure to proceed!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Gifted assessments are booked for a total of 3 hours. The academic session is a second, 3-hour appointment.
These appointments include the intake, one-on-one testing, and feedback meeting
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We'll discuss the results with you honestly and explain what the scores mean for your child's learning. There are other enrichment options in Calgary outside the GATE program, and we can help point you in the right direction.
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Many extended health plans cover psychological assessments - check your plan for "psychological services" or "registered psychologist." We provide a receipt you can submit for reimbursement.
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We recommend booking 2–3 months before your application deadline to allow time for the assessment and report.
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The total fee for the assessment, which includes both the gifted and academic testing, is $1,920.
Please note that if your child does not meet the 130 IQ threshold, you can choose to opt out of academic testing and a report and pay a reduced fee of $720.
Have more questions?
Click here to read more about our gifted assessments.
Have questions?
We’re here to help!
Email us: office@bluebirdpsychology.ca
Call us: (587) 288-6884Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with one of our psychologists here.
We are located at 277, 200 Rivercrest Dr. SE in Calgary, AB