<p>Post #21- gifted programs are NEEDED. There are good and bad versions of programs but both ends of the Bell curve need a different education than the vast majority. Those who think about ego are likely dealing with bright-very bright kids- it is a continuum so drawing lines becomes blurry. One size doesn’t fit all and different ages require different methods. Gifted education has evolved a lot since my day and my son’s K-HS tenure. Funding also makes a difference. </p>
<p>Skimmed most posts. Recent ones- “most top schools…”- only if you live in an elite bubble world, there are thousands of good HSs that are all that is available to most kids without the courses you know of.</p>
<p>Absolutely nothing wrong with being with older kids rather than your agemates. Also, unfortunately, those lower level precalculus HS math classes older kids will not be the top students- those will also be accelerated. I am reminded of (one of many stories I could relate- all parents of gifted children accumulate many) a fall parent teacher conference when my son was just turning 6 in a 1,2,3 grade class. The teacher reported how some third grades voiced how he didn’t belong in their reading group because he was only a first grader (nevermind he had started kindergarten a year early and was at least the youngest in the class by several months). She reported that she asked them if he could do the work or some such wording (he was reading at a 5th grade level the year before), they said yes, so she asked them if he belonged with them- they concluded that yes, he did. Nice way of getting kids out of the age equals what should determine things bit.</p>
<p>Another anecdote. Son had a friend in middle school who was a grade ahead, they met during a Destination Imagination activity (as leader I could write volumes about gifted kids based on that experience, sigh). His mother assisted and I once asked why her son wanted to play with my younger son rather than a same age boy- she responded that even playing UNO was more fun with my son because they both thought at the same level. Makes sense when you remember all of the times you spend waiting for someone to “get it” instead of being able to move at your pace.</p>