DS had this issue all the way until 7th grade. It's really hard for the kid and most of the time we felt powerless to help. It was especially bad in middle school. DS was very proud of his academic pursuits, but he also felt strongly that he had to "fit in" so as not to be bullied. It was tough to watch. Eventually we switched him to a school (a "gifted" school) with very weak academics but at least there was a respect for academic achievement. Then he entered a magnet high school with many academically strong students and he is now very happy.
DD10 has never yet shown any sign of wanting to "dumb down and fit in". She has a core group of friends that she is really happy to be with. We just try to be very low-key with the families of these friends -- generously praising the other kids, not talking about DD's progress, etc. The hope is that she will be able to have friends who share her interest, so that she doesn't need to even try to fit in with other groups of kids.
Sorry, not much tips to share. Just want to let you know it's a common problem.
