Oh, I was just about to write almost the exact same post!! Slightly different story though. My kids 9 & 7 are in a full time GT program that the love and we do as well. It's great but it's 25 miles away......
There is another GT program (very very similiar, modeled after their current program) that is only 12 miles away. We've applied there because we are just burnt out on the current drive.
I meationed it to my 9 year old and he was so opposed! I have a harder time moving him because he's been in the program 2 years and is a very anxious kid. So it's breaking my heart that I'm even considering this for them. I am not as upset to move my 7 year old because she has only been their one year and settles into things easier.
I could really use some advice as well. Does anyone have opinions on whether or not I'm crazy to be taking them out of a school that is awesome and works well for my 2E kid just to save half the drive???
For OP, my son moved to a gt school in 2nd and he was also nervous about leaving his friends. I would tell them that if it doesn't work out they can always go back to their old school. Let them know that it's worth a try. 99% sure they will be amazed at how well they fit in at the GT school and they'll love their peers. I doubt they'll ever look back. Just reassure them that they can always remain friends with their old classmates. Good luck, these are such scary decisions for a parent.
