to elucidate more from the perspective of the gifted, I'll describe my own experience.
I never needed a teacher/professor, only a mentor or facilitator. I taught myself Differential equations, calculus, modern physics, and quantum mechanics. In the process, I also learned the diligence to set aside a few hours a day, along with a support group of professors who can take a look at my work.
Learning does NOT take place in a class room. Did Einstein get far because his teacher "told" him to work on relativity? Did Edison and Tesla work on light-bulbs and electrical currents because their professor "made" them do it for a grade? Did Richard Feynman and Erwin Schrodinger come up with their diagrams and equations in a "classroom" or within the constructs of their own minds?
Kids don't "need" a gifted classroom, they just need to be instilled with the motivation and ambition to do more and self-teach. This is what leads to great projects and early entrance into college.
