In our case, being identified as GT merely gives one the option of signing up for honors classes beginning in Jr. High. The classes are open to all high achievers (even those not IDed as GT) but the kids who are IDed as GT are guaranteed a spot. The district is very crowded, so I would like my DD to have that option available to her if possible. She would not be locked into the honors classes if we decided they were inappropriate for some reason.