I love the book 'Drawing with Children' by Mona Brookes. It's meant to be read by an adult helper of children who want to draw, and I love crafts, but these are the real techniques used by artists to 'see' applied in a way that is useful to children - an entirely different thing. (have them choose different subjects so there is less comparison)
I'm also wondering about physical activity - planning a dance routine involves planning, as does cooking or gardening. Throw in a stopwatch and some lab reports and you have a science project.
There is a cardgame called SET that works as a leveler in many families.
What about working on a second language? (Muzzy tapes perhaps?)
Field Trips where each keeps a journal?
Look into 'Oddessy of the Mind' for enrichment ideas of projects where each does their own part.
I get it that you don't want to let go of academics completely, but my thought is that if you go for 'enrichment' projects instead, you can add the academics in more subtley without them being so obvious.
I always used to worry about giving my son academics because I was afraid that I would make him 'more board' in school. I think that was a mistake, but with this particular situation I think it needs to be thought about for your DD's friend. (Unless you are hoping to homeschool both of them next year?)
Best Wishes,
Grinity
