Please, please-- I need your help and advice.
Please bear with me through some background. My son (now seven, almost eight) is currently in second grade at a traditional public school. We just moved to a new city at the beginning of the school year, and he wanted to go back to school. (We pulled him from a horrible first grade situation halfway through the year). We looked at the local public school, found it to be okay, and decided to give it a try.
He has made a friend, and gets along alright with the other kids. He loves his teacher--although his teacher candidly stated that moving up in grades at the school, he will run into problems, even with their gifted program (GIEP). He stated "off the record" that he would do better at another school in our city.
Well, there is a democratic/constructivist school very close to us. He is on the waiting list and there is a possibility that he may get in this year. I am going to apply and hope he gets in next year if he doesn't switch this year, but I am not sure if he will get in (through a lottery process). The school is big on respecting the child and child participation. There is a mixed grade (3-4-5) set up where they do stuff in separate grades but also mixed based on interest and ability. This school has a high school as well, where the kids can take classes at the community college. I know he will love it and do well once he makes the switch. There is a gifted specialist teacher for the 3/4/5s, too.
But he is very sensitive, and loves his current teacher.
If he can switch this year, should we do it? He says he doesn't want to switch this year, but what if that is the only sure way to get into the school (lottery space is very limited for the higher grades). He has a lot of anxiety and OEs. And I feel we've moved him around so much.
But my heart says get him into the new school and don't look back, but he is so sensitive and I don't want to hurt him, you know?
So what would you do? Have him visit the new school (if he gets in) and then decide?
He has one friend there in the first grade (which he will have contact with since the K-1-2s do a lot together) and knows another boy as well.
Thank you for reading this and your input!
TIA!
