DS has Asperger's and is highly gifted, especially in math and science. He entered school early so he is in 4th grade at age 8/9. He goes to elementary school part time and middle school part time. He is learning Algebra and 6th grade science in middle school; when he goes back to elementary school, he does 5th grade LA by himself with an aid, and 4th grade specials (music, recess, lunch, computers, PE). The school district has been amazing at placing him into appropriate classrooms subject by subject, which has been great but because he is so all over the place (physically and learning levels), it is becoming increasingly difficult for schools to accommodate him. They're suggesting that DS should skip 5th grade and enter middle school at age 9/10. He will be doing 6th grade science, LA, and social studies, which everyone thinks is the right level for him. Then, he wouldn't have to bus back and forth, losing time to interact with other kids. That way, he will still be ahead of other 6th graders in math but he can stay together with high honors 7th graders (with whom he has been with now for 3 years in a row) for another couple years. they think DS will have a better chance of growing socially if he stays with his intellectual peers (even though they will be 2-3 years older). Also, if we don't do this now, by the time he enters middle school, he will have to be bussed to high school part time, and he will always be straddling two schools. So...I think this plan makes sense if he is not 2E. He has Asperger's and is probably 2 years BEHIND socially and emotionally. He doesn't really have friends wherever he goes. He does have a couple of friends his age who are neighborhood friends. I set up regulr playdates for them so I hope their friendships will continue no matter what schools and grades everyone ends up in next year.
We face this same decision every year but with middle school(and eventually puberty, yikes!!!) approaching, this year's decision making process is more stressful than usual. The middle school has promised a full time aid (who will not hover over him so he doesn't stand out too much but will be there to help in case he needs help with finding the right classrooms, organizing his learning environment and taking notes, three things he has trouble with). They also promised to be flexible and move him back to the original plan of attending 5th grade primarily and busing to middle school for math and science if it becomes evident that that is the more appropriate fit for him.
If anyone has experienced something similar and has advice for me, please share. Thanks!!!
