IHP Application
Individualized Honors Program Application
The Individualized Honors Program also known as IHP is the oldest, continuous program for Highly Gifted Students in LAUSD, which was founded in 1970. This Smaller Learning Community (SLC) is designed for the unique needs of Highly Gifted students and offers challenges not generally offered in an honors level middle school course.
Due to the limited number of seats available in our Individualized Honors Program (IHP), we highly recommend that students who are interested and eligible for the IHP also consider our School for Advanced Studies (SAS) program. The SAS program is an accelerated option that provides both accelerated and highly accelerated mathematical opportunities. This alternative may be a great fit for students seeking advanced academic challenges.
The program is tailored to meet the distinct needs of Highly Gifted students, the Individualized Honors Program provides challenges beyond the typical honors curriculum found in middle school. Students are expected to demonstrate their readiness to engage with a rigorous, accelerated, and/or compacted curriculum across all academic subjects.
2025-2026 IHP Application Process
Updated as of 11/19/2024
Important Information for IHP Applicants:
All applications for the Individualized Honors Program (IHP) must be submitted through the LAUSD Choices process.
Application Timeline:
- Application Period: October 1 - November 15, 2024
- Confirmation Notices: Applicants will receive confirmation from LAUSD Choices in early December 2024.
Application Steps for Walter Reed Middle School’s IHP:
- Visit Choices.lausd.net.
- Click on the Unique Educational Pathways tab.
- Select the Apply Now button, choose "Unique Education Pathways," and select Reed MS.
Post-Application Steps:
- After the application window closes on November 15, 2024, families will be contacted by Walter Reed Middle School during the first week of December.
- Families must submit the Supporting Documents Form and sign up for an assessment date.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for the IHP, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Complete the Unique Education Pathway application through LAUSD Choices between October 1 and November 15, 2024.
- Submit the IHP Admissions Supporting Documents Form by January 5, 2025, at 11:59 PM.
- Attend a mandatory assessment on one of the following dates:
- Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 3:00 PM
- Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 8:00 AM
- Achieve a passing score on the assessment, which covers English and Math. This assessment will be held in person at Walter Reed Middle School.
Notification Timeline:
- Eligible applicants will receive a Program Eligibility Letter in February 2025.
- Those who receive an eligibility letter will get a Selection/Waiting List Letter in March 2025.
- Selected applicants must confirm their placement by the April 2025 deadline.
Lottery Process:
If there are more applicants than available seats, a lottery will be held by LAUSD Choices. A waiting list will be established for those not selected, and students will remain on this list for one school year only.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.) about the Assessment for Applicants
What does the assessment consist of?
The assessment is divided into two parts: English and Math. Its purpose is to evaluate each applicant's current knowledge and determine their ability to understand material at an accelerated academic level. It is not recommended for students to prepare in advance, as this will not provide a true reflection of their capabilities.
How much time will students have to complete each section?
Each student will have one hour to complete each section of the assessment.
What is the check-in process on assessment day?
Students must check in at the lobby of the auditorium on the day of the assessment. Only those who have submitted an application through the Choices system will be allowed to participate.
Will there be breaks during the assessment?
Yes, students will have a 15-minute break between each section. They may bring a snack for the break, but it must be in a clear bag or not bagged.
Are electronic devices allowed during the assessment?
No electronic devices, including smartwatches, cell phones, and calculators, are permitted during the assessment. Students must leave these items with their parents or guardians before checking in.
What materials can students bring?
No personal supplies such as pencils, pens, erasers, highlighters, rulers, or scratch paper are allowed. All necessary materials for the assessment will be provided. Additionally, backpacks, purses, lunch boxes, or any bags are not permitted. Students may bring water and a small snack in a clear bag to consume during their break, but food and drink are not allowed during the assessment itself.
Is this assessment timed, and will there be a makeup opportunity?
Yes, this is a timed assessment, and no makeup tests will be offered.
What happens if I miss the assessment or cannot attend one of the two offered dates?
Unfortunately, there are no makeup assessment dates available. We encourage you to make arrangements to attend one of the two assessments offered. If you signed up for the Thursday assessment and missed it, you can still attend the Saturday assessment at 8:00 AM, which is the last available date.
What happens if a student is caught cheating?Any student found cheating during the examination will be automatically disqualified from the assessment and the enrollment process for the 2025-2026 school year.