Thanks so much for everyone's input--especially HowlerKarma. I totally understand your frustrations--we have had similar problems at a private school here, with teachers and admin not wanting to accelerate him etc--so it's not like private is some kind of miraculous haven for gifted kids. Anyway, back to the issue...
Portland and San Fran/Bay are both high on the list of priorities. We are left-leaning/bookish and also outdoorsy, and those seem like they'd be a good fit for us. But because we've had some bad school experiences we really want to settle in a place where the kids are not miserable and under-challenged. So thanks!
BTW I am trying to find info on the gifted high school in Portland--do you know the name? I am not finding anything on Portland's school site.
