Hi eldertree,
Thats exactly the case for us. We have a few families who are the inner grp kind. also, the principle has no idea about gifted.There are afew other things, compulsory Violin from 4th grade for all kids, take it or leave it attitude. All this stops us from taking the chance this year. Your exp with the new start up school helps me know that we are on right track for this year.

“The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure.”
Sven Goran Eriksson