I couldn't agree more with Kriston! I have no doubt that DD is PG and we live in one of those 'top' school districts but I have my doubts that they will really provide for DD. I really believe that school districts classified as the best are so because they have found their niche with the majority of the students. Our district is upper middle class and we live in a large university town which lends itself to higher ratio of gifted. Sounds great in theory but as we all know there are levels of gifted and the majority of the school district's gifted kids are in the MG to possibly HG range. BUT the district has the attitude that they know gifted education and are not really flexible. All my friends who have kids in the district and know DD have told me they don't see how the school could keep up with her.
I grew up in a rural town and though I, myself, am probably more in line with MG - HG level; my cousin was definitely PG. Looking back on our school experience and trust me it wasn't perfect, however, I will admit that they had flexibility when it came to him and were willing to try new things.
The nice thing is we have the flexibility to put DD in private and so far we have been happy with our school choice. In fact, DD had a birthday party yesterday (though her birthday isn't until August) and we invited all the kids from her school. Even though I already felt a sense of family before the party; it was clear by the end that we really are a family. The warmth and true caring of all the parents was abundantly apparent. And though the school is not a gifted school, DD has some PG friends in school with her and it really makes me smile to see how they get each other. One of her PG friends is a super sensitive child who takes OT. His mom just adores DD because she just gets him and understands he has needs and goes out of her way to protect him. She told me that a few months ago she was late dropping him off and the class was already in circle time when they came in. DD's best friend jumped up and screamed his name when she saw him and DD quickly jumped up and scolded her for it; saying that they all know how he doesn't like that kind of attention and nobody should yell at him. I, also, witnessed this protective state at the party but for another classmate who is an adopted child from Guatemala. He is a quiet shy little boy who hardly even talks. The minute he came into the room the kids took his hand and made sure they included him in the game of the moment. There was clearly a calmness among them when interacting with him.
I know it isn't realistic to think that what works today will always work but I am really hoping it does for DD, because I would hate for her to lose this intimate community. And like I said, the school isn't classified as gifted but it is academic and all taught in Spanish. The administration is also open to moving her up if she isn't being challenged so I will cross my fingers and hope this is enough.
