Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Parenting and Advocacy 1st grader evaluated at 4th to 6th grade.

Thank you all so much for your replies and thoughts. It feels so comforting to know that you understand the issue.
Our DS has been in this Blue Ribbon catholic school since 4 years old and they have known him for 3 years. They know his work and abilities. It truly is a great school with a standard probably a year ahead in terms of what the kids do there by comparison to public schools at the same age. Yet, our son only goes to school to socialize. He does not learn much there, and most of this knowledge comes from self-study. He is bored in class and gets in trouble playing with his supplies, talking, etc. He refused to complete quizzes twice, saying they were too easy (and ended up in the principal’s office). We worry that if he stays in an environment that does not challenge him, he will continue getting in trouble and only associate school with play and boredom. We would like him to keep up his passion for knowledge, which he fully fuels at home by himself, but also not assume that school will always be easy for him.
Catholic schools are so great - top quality standards, good morals, structure and discipline. Yet, they do not seem to recognize when a child is really different. And they do not have a provision to help those very advanced, yet there is always help for those lagging behind.
We understand that test-placing at 5th or 6th grade level does not mean that's where our DS belongs. In fact, he placed at 9th grade level in applied math, 8th grade in word identification (he reads adult college material), 4th grade in math fluency. We just think that skipping one grade would truly help him be with kids more like him and challenge him more, keeping him away from getting in trouble. And since he is only 2 months away from the age grade cut-off, he would not be that different from kids who are a year ahead grade-wise. The gifted program in our city is practically non-existent (1 teacher for 3 schools and all elementary grades). We cannot afford Montessori now. If only our school, which is already so academically advanced, saw positives in our son instead of a boy who disturbs in class and needs to get on with the program like the rest. And the funny thing is, he is extremely social and is loved by his friends at school and outside. He gets along with older kids just as well and loves to talk to them, because they know more.
I have a feeling you understand my pain...