Hello,
We have found that schools are much more inclined to offer full grade skips rather than subject acceleration. It is simply easier from a scheduling stand-point, as well as, having to deal with fewer additional families who request the same �special treatment� for their under-challenged student.
Our son was early entranced to 1st and finally granted math subject acceleration one quarter into his 5th grade year. I think the decision was based on our constant yearly requests and his Terra-Nova results. Both of the 5th grade teachers were opposed to it and even the 6th grade math teacher resisted his continued math acceleration for this year despite success in her class last year. However, we were offered full grade acceleration instead. We had to beg for continued math acceleration and waited until the beginning of this school year to learn whether or not he could attend pre-algebra which was contingent on the schedule that was apparently not finalized until the day before classes began.
This year, we have heard the same response from his school regarding his math placement for 7th grade next year so we intend to go elsewhere. A local Catholic high school, which hopes to gain our daughter, has offered to let him skip two grades into their freshman class rather than take their high school courses as a 7th grader. Needless to say, our soon to be freshman daughter is not keen on this offer! Neither are we.
According to a public middle school counselor for a very good district just across state lines, subject acceleration is widely offered, including free transport to their local high school. It�s not so easy on our side of the state line.
The school and district culture for your area might determine how successful you will be in pursuing subject acceleration. Is there a history of this accommodation at your daughter�s school? Are you willing to do a full grade skip if offered?
