From what I have read, WA schools in general take 2nd graders if they have finished 1st grade in any accredited school. However, they are much more picky when it comes to 1st grade. They will only take kids in 1st if they have finished K in a public school, otherwise they go by age. (by 9/1st).
The Seattle schools program, I have heard good things of. Same of the one in Bellevue School district (Seattle suburb). I think both have very strict guidelines in terms of testing (only testing through SD) and dates. You'd have to be here for testing, and they would only test if you already live within the school district (Seattle); but the Bellevue program is more open to taking results from other SDs and they also accept students off district boundaries.
My dd attends one of the private gifted schools in the area (you can find them online, there are 4 big and well known ones, plus another one). They area all progressive, do a ton of horizontal enrichment, and SOME vertical acommodations. However, they are all clear in that they are not about accelerating. If you want acceleration, you are better off in the public schools' gifted programs.
At dd's school, I know there are a few DYS students. We just sent in application for dd, so I don't know for sure. Families, from what I can tell, are reasonably happy.
I know my dd is not working to her exact level in every area, however, she is learning a ton, loves going to school, her teachers, the specialists, etc. The social aspect is great. She has that connection to other gifted kids and that has been awesome. It is fun that she can talk about books she is reading with other kids, they engage in complex imaginary play, etc. For us, for now, this has worked great. Now that she is in 1st, we are asking for them to acommodate her a bit more. However, she does a great job of challenging herself in the open ended assignments (of which there are many....).
If you want specific names on schools, send me a PM. I have heard from one of the gifted schools that is open to grade skipping. They do not advertise it, and they would need both testing and to observe the child before seriously considering it.
