I'm new here and am looking for help sorting through schooling options for next year for our 9-year-old. He is currently in a small country public school that we love for the people but don't love for the programming. It's just not meeting his needs.
We've had some preliminary testing done (as well as a full scale IQ but don't have those scores yet) as well as an observation by a psychologist who works specifically with gifted children, and she confirmed what we've suspected - that he's bored. He's currently in 3rd grade, and we've been trying each year to get the school to make the appropriate adjustments to the curriculum to meet his needs, but it feels like we're banging our head against the wall. They just don't "get" him!
The psych we worked with recommended several private schools, but they are all a distance from us and/or cost $14k minimally. Ack! We simply can't come close to affording this, even with the financial aid packages they suggest are available! I'm extremely reluctant to pursue our other public schools in the area - they have a horrible, horrible reputation and I think it would be hit or miss each year depending on teachers. There's a nearby Montessori school, but DS hasn't had any Montessori experience so I'm not sure they'd even be interested in having him, even if it would be a good fit for him.
We're giving some thought to homeschooling. I have substantial concerns about that, too, though. DS struggles socially and is also an extremely intense personality. I don't know that I'll be able to effectively manage both those issues while homeschooling, especially since we have a toddler and a baby, too.
I don't even know what to ask at this point...I'm really overwhelmed. Does anyone have any experience, advice, or observations that might help us navigate this decision? I'm happy to answer any additional questions. Thanks so much!
