The social concern of exposure and learning to deal was something my dh and I were worried about when we sent ds7 to a small private gifted. However, since being in that environment for 2 months, he has made a180. He easily approaches kids instead of hiding behind me, asking me to do the talking. He asserts his feelings with kids appropriately. It has been really amazing to watch. Because of this, I believe kids (or my kid at least) gains more socially from gaining confidence in the small group. There will inevitably be extracurricular activities and other situations to introduce and experience other kids.
