I hear echoes from all the way across the ocean
Here in south africa my boys were in the only gifted school in the country, which happened to be on our doorstep. I cried with relief when we were cheerfully told that they would cater to our boys specifically, that they would ensure our boys were challenged optimally while still allowed to enjoy childhood, they would be understood and allowed to progress at their own rate.
The reality was along the lines of what you have said. Maximum on 1 year acceleration (with a fight), occasional subject acceleration (not with grade skip though) and then it can be taken away on a staff whim. Teachers had no "right" to make offers of concessions that the school did not approve either and the byline may as well have been enrich not accelerate.
It was hugely disappointing to us and we now cheerfully homeschool.
So i have nothing to offer except hugs and a BTDT smile of solidarity from across the world
