Chris, I didn't do a program like this in elementary school, but did start a science/pre-engineering magnet program in middle school. My DS12, 7th grade is in his 2nd year there. They also have the GEM math program so this year he is taking High School Honors Algebra. Our district does offer seperate full-time gifted programs in middle school, but chosing a magnet school cut us out of the gifted programs. I haven't found it to be a huge issue though as the science is really advanced and a lot of the kids who chose a science magnet are usually high achievers. DS12 does have some gifted certified teachers, but the classes are not just for gifted kids. I must say I think the science is amazing. It is 2 hours a day and just having that extra time enables them to conduct experiments etc. they would not be able to in a regular 1 hour science class.
