Registration for the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts Talent Identification Program 2026-27 cohort is open.
ASMSA-TIP provides gifted students, parents and educators with resources and guidance that are tailored to support a child’s educational, social and emotional development. Such programs empower students to reach their full potential while helping parents and educators make the best educational decisions for their students.
ASMSA-TIP is open to current sixth- through ninth-graders in Arkansas who meet any one of the following criteria:
- The student scored Level 4 (Advanced) on one or more subtests of the ATLAS assessment or on another standardized test accepted by the state.
- The student has been formally identified as gifted or talented by their school district.
- The student has been recommended by a teacher, administrator or educational community leader (Scout leader, camp counselor, etc.).
All participants will receive monthly e-newsletters with specific content for gifted and talented students and their parents as well as access to a variety of in-person and virtual programming designed to enrich students’ learning and develop their talents.
There are three pathways open for participants. They include the Discovery Pathway for sixth-graders, the Testing Pathway for seventh- and eighth-graders, and the Alumni Pathway for returning eighth- and ninth-graders.
Participants in the Testing Pathway receive a voucher to take the ACT as above-level test, providing students an opportunity to take the test earlier than it is traditionally offered. Participants receive detailed insight into the student’s academic strengths as well as a customized guidance report based on their ACT score. A $95 testing fee applies. A limited number of scholarships for families with financial need are available. The Discovery and Alumni Pathways are free of charge.
“Above-level testing through ASMSA-TIP can provide families and educators with valuable information about a student’s ability, and many families use this data to make more informed decisions about their child’s academic future,” said Dr. Ash Hicks, ASMSA assistant director of talent and scholar development.
Testing Pathway participants also have an opportunity to earn statewide recognition based on their ACT performance. During the 2025-26 academic year, ASMSA-TIP served 1,158 sixth- through eighth-grade students and 200 Gifted and Talented educators from 72 of the state’s 75 counties. Participants were from approximately 200 public school districts as well as private school and homeschool students. Ultimately, more than 700 of those students submitted ACT scores to ASMSA-TIP, with 478 students qualifying for recognition in some capacity.
To learn more about ASMSA-TIP or to register, visit asmsa.me/asmsa-tip.