The State of Georgia does allow for private testing in the area of Mental Ability (IQ), but how the local district handles private testing is another matter. I am in APS and my son was tested privately for Mental Ability (WISC IV) and in school for Achievement (Stanford 10). He scored extremely high on both (GAI 165 on the WISC) and 97th and 99th percentiles in reading and math for achievement BUT APS will not take private testing unless it is validated by two other school provided tests. So even though my son meets the State criteria for entry, the local school system is giving me a hard time. If that mental ability test was given by the local school system, he would be allowed into the program. With that said, the private testing was well worth spending the money for me since I now have a better idea of what I am working with...regardless of the school's definition of gifted. I highly recommend Dr.Spomenka Newman for private testing in the Atlanta area.
