Sarasota Gifted Testing

Hello Everyone!  I am Tara Motzenbecker and I have been offering evaluations for the gifted programs in Florida for over 17 years. I pride myself on making sure I am getting each child’s optimal performance so we have an accurate indicator of eligibility. I have completed numerous reevaluations for children whose initial testing conditions were not optimal. I always spend time discussing the child’s individual needs and interests prior to working with them. 

I will be offering a Facebook Live event on September 8, 2023 at 11AM EST on my practice’s Facebook page, Banyan Psychological Center. This event will go over the entire testing and eligibility process specifically for Sarasota County gifted programs including magnet programs. 

Gifted magnet programs are located at Pine View School, Fruitville Elementary, Booker Middle, Sarasota Middle, Venice Elementary, Laurel Nokomis School, Toledo Blade Elementary, and Woodland Middle School. 

For now, I want you all to be aware of the deadlines for the Sarasota County Gifted Magnet programs. Below are essential deadlines to follow for the 2024-2025 gifted magnet application. 

Submissions Deadlines

January 19, 2024 Deadline to request gifted screening and evaluation for gifted magnet consideration completed by the districted school.

March 22, 2024 Deadline to inform the districted school that a private evaluation will be submitted. This will allow the school to complete gifted rating scales and other required components by the submission deadline (for magnet programming only). Proof of Residency must be established. 

April 5, 2024 Deadline for the Gifted Magnet Application and all required documents, including private evaluations, rating scales, grades, and letters of recommendation. Out-of-county applications go directly to the magnet site.