It sounds like you have two goals – getting your D more academic challenge and helping your D develop better social skills with kids her own age. The first is generally easier and it sounds like you have been pointed to a number of resources. The second is trickier – sometimes a school counselor or family therapist will have ideas/resources although many groups focused on this are aimed at students whose skills are more noticeably different.
Honestly, I think most of us could benefit from some professional guidance in this regard (like a coach, which many professionals use) so I would not hesitate to seek this out. It may not cross her mind to ask classmates about their interests if she doesn’t share them or to try to engage with kids about her passions.
@mamaedefamilia many thanks for the tip about IEA, I had not heard of them. Summer is a great time to explore offerings a bit further from home. So great to learn about a scholarship as well.
@CaliMex unfortunately her school is very small and doesn’t have a music program, but I have been wondering about recruiting kids into an informal group outside of school. She does participate in a community orchestra for children from various nearby parts of the county, but so far hasn’t clicked with anyone. But it’s still very new, so maybe after their first performance they will bond.
@gardenstategal That’s a very wise observation. She’s also one of the youngest in her class, which I think highlights differences in maturity.
Thank you everyone for sharing your knowledge and resources!
@vegas1 my apologies for not acknowledging your post – I somehow didn’t spot it this morning!
Kids change so much at this age, you may be surprised if she is totally different in high school or college.
So true, @roycroftmom – she does seem to get more comfortable and confident socially each year, but you know how it is, moms worry.
A personal anecdote to reassure you. At 12 my kid was so shy and introverted she would not say her one line for the mandatory school play. Stayed that way for most of high school. By college she was gregarious, got a job as a communications intern for a senator and an officer in her sorority. Unrecognizable from her early years. They do eventually blossom.
@roycroftmom that is so wonderful to hear. Congratulations on her many successes.