My DD7 participates in a pull-out enrichment program at our school district for 2nd grade. Next year, she will be eligible to either continue in the pull-out (one day/week) or attend a full-time accelerated magnet program for the rest of elementary.
She is moderately gifted. She hasn't had an IQ test, but her CogAT scores, etc., indicate she is probably right around 130.
This means that she may be at the lower end of ability in the full-time accelerated program. I have also heard anecdotes that the program involves significant homework (like 2 hours+ per night), although the district paperwork describes a homework expectation of only 30 minutes to 1 hour a night.
My DD is involved in several extracurricular activities and we don't want to stress her out with too much homework. We also have some concerns about her self-esteem and don't want her to be frustrated and feel like the LEAST capable person in an accelerated class. She does well in her regular classroom and would be reluctant to switch and leave her friends (but I do think she "dumbs" herself down to fit in, to some extent).
That said, all the research I have read and my own instincts lead me to believe that she would benefit from being more challenged academically and being around other kids of similar mindsets toward learning. So I am leaning toward enrolling her in the accelerated magnet program, despite some misgivings.
Anyone have experience/thoughts/other considerations to share about a kid who falls in this range of giftedness? Thanks!
