<p>A couple of my kids were in a gifted program in elementary school. It was fun for them because they got to do a few extra field trips and activities. Then we moved to another state. I did not recommend one child (who was then in 4th grade) for the gifted program at her new school. She is an excellent student, but one who does well through hard work and being super-organized rather than natural genius. (On tests she’d be in the 90-95% rather than 99%). I could see that our new district had higher standards than where we used to live. Her brother, who was going into 7th grade, had been recommended as an outstanding student by his gifted teacher. So I had him “evaluated for placement” at his new school.
The teacher actually told me (her words) “He’s not gifted. He just knows a lot of trivia but doesn’t do anything with it.” I thought that was pretty harsh, but being new to the district (top suburban district), I just shrugged and moved on. After talking to other students in the program, S said he was glad he wasn’t accepted because they said they just did MORE work.
Fast forward to 12th grade, S makes NMSF. The gifted kids? Not so much. I would say that if the district has high standards and offers a variety of classes, lots of APs, etc., at the high school level, having those extra activities at the elementary/middle school level is “nice,” but nothing to worry about if your kid doesn’t make it. The above average/hardworking student (D) is probably going to win out over the lazy genius (S and his two older brothers) in the long run.
When I was in elementary school I was far ahead of my class. In 5th grade, I was sent to the school library to work alone on math and reading for hours every day. Also, I spent recess tutoring younger kids in math. That must have been the gifted program back in the 70s ;)</p>