Hi everyone.

My DD is an HG+ 4th grader and I've struggled over the years to find her the appropriate learning environment in public schools. I was hoping that when she finally got to 3rd grade and could participate in our district's program for the Highly Gifted that things would be better. Unfortunately, the program has suffered over the years due to apathy and budget cuts.

Long story short, I am now involved in an advisory group working with the school district to restore the GATE program to what it once was when it was a model for the country. We have just set our top 3 priorities, #1 being what the "Seminar Program" (the program for HG+) will look like and who it will serve. The program originally served those kids who just could not be served even in the programs for MG. Over the years the program has been watered down and now a lot of these kids, like my own, are just withering.

So, what I am looking for is models from which to draw inspiration to design an exemplary program. Does anyone have experience or know of other programs that are successfully serving the HG+ population?

Most people I've talked to love the program our district has for HAG grades 3-5.
I think this site put together by one of 3rd grade teachers gives a pretty good summation of what they strive for:

http://wsfcs.k12.nc.us/Page/21041

The classes are self contained and very project based with a lot of student interaction. They also include enhanced History/Geography studies and Spanish. The basic curriculum is also enhanced and gradually accelerated to around 2 years ahead of grade level. After school clubs include Lego Robotics and Chess.

Hope it helps with your research.

The Davidson Academy of Reno, Nevada comes to mind for middle school and up.

The book Exam Schools for high schools.

About a year ago, there was a thread brainstorming on the ideal educational setting.

The programs most successfully serving the HG+ population may be small independent/private schools for the gifted.

Thanks for the input, I'll look into those suggestions. I have also been doing some research into not only the structure of the classroom experience, but the structure of the program as a whole within the school district. I have looked into the programs in Chicago and New York City. Sometimes it's nice to see things that don't work as well too.