Yes, in general, there is an apparent lack of services for the intellectually gifted. In my state, gifted children are entitlted to an assessment but not services, while children with disabilities are entitled to both. Is this a prejudice or an attitude that says, "Well, these kids should be happy they fortunately don't need anything special to do well." But is that an attitude that applies mostly to the intellectually gifted? I like to say to the powers that be, "If my kid was a violin virtuoso, would you make him play in the school band?"
Re "cobbling together a decent program." Yes, of course it depends on what's available, but it also could mean expanding what's available to these normally not served, e.g., getting the restriction lifted on freshman or sophomores taking AP. Were the school adamant, it would be a problem. One reason we didn't consider the prestigious local private school is that it would absolutely not allow freshmen or sophomores to take APs.
