Hello, from NY. My 10 year old son skipped 1st grade. He is now in 6th grade, which is the start of middle school here. My district has only 50% of students going on to 4-year colleges. Heavier emphasis on team sports, and big time emphasis in supporting special ed needs. For gifted kids, in grades 4-5 there was a special pullout class, now nothing. For arts and music, funding and opportunities are very low. He is a gifted violinist as well. Thank goodness for his private lessons and performances outside of school.
DS easily aces all his classes, always top of class. Painfully bored and reads, reads, reads as soon as he's done with a worksheet waiting for everyone else to finish. The population here, most of them, seem to be focused on school sports, and that's the culture.
Nearby parochial and public schools don't seem to tailor academics to gifted children. Area college prep school ends the school day at 5:30 due to mandatory after school activities! Will not send him there.
I am trying to plan what to do for the rest of the grades. He looks forward to days off! Frequently complains that he "is not learning", or he "knows this already".
MAJOR CONCERN- Aside from us not clicking with the sports culture, there's another thing. Although it's nice to get top grades, he really doesn't have to study! Easily memorizes and understands concepts. I think it's important for children to know HOW to study hard, and what it is like to not know something and have to work hard to master it. Otherwise, how will he handle college work?
Thank you very much for reading.
