Unfortunately our public school has an api score of only 7.
Some articles describe
api as ranging from a low of 200 to a high of 1000 with a goal of 800 or more. Because you state the score as 7, are you speaking of this measure or another, such as those offered on greatschools.org?
(excerpts from several posts, about school "A" (not chosen)...
if the GT school doesn't survive...
1. The school that has HG+ students is only a few years old,
2. rumor has it that they were at risk of closing quite recently (maybe 2-3 years ago),
3. The school is going through growing pains,
4. waitlist they had started contacting (they only held our spot until last Fri).
5. But they said we could try to transfer next year if we get into differentiation trouble at the non-GT school.
6. like the school and the teachers we met.
A school which opened recently, survived rumors of closing, now has a waitlist, and is exhibiting a healthy relationship in offering the flexibility to welcome you at a later date if you turn them down now... is probably a good school. Schools which understand and accommodate HG+ kids are rare and because HG+ is a small population, these schools may be expected to be smaller. Some might suggest looking at the academics, support/challenge, and potential intellectual peers/friendships this school may offer your kiddo, and also looking for kindred spirits among parents.
(excerpts from several posts, about school "B" (chosen)...
1. We are a bit apprehensive about telling the non-GT school that accepted us that our son is highly gifted, because we are afraid of stirring the pot
2. This school is very well respected, and apart from the no vertical differentiation issue, it is a darling school that fits our family philosophy for education.
Some may say it is not healthy to go into a situation whose success is based upon hiding who one is. Especially true for a child. Some may say "no vertical differentiation" means capped learning. Being a "well-respected" and "darling" school may indicate it is for students with more frequently occurring intellectual profiles. Serving mainstream kids seems consistent with "no vertical differentiation"... which is all but saying, "no advocacy".
For clarity, you may wish to jot on paper what your family philosophy of education is, alongside the educational philosophy of each of the above schools.
I am also trying to figure out how "bad" could this be? I mean, what is the magnitude we are looking at, will he want to be a year ahead (manageable), or three (trouble)?
1. You may wish to get the book A Parent's Guide to Gifted Children.
2. You may wish to read posts about kids who "hide", underachieve, or become frustrated and act out.
3. You may also wish to read posts about questions to ask in choosing a school?
4. If your high IQ kiddo is not already performing several years ahead in something, based on his own volition and exploration to satisfy his curiosity, some may question whether the scores are GAI or FSIQ... has he been checked for possible learning disability?
