Every School system handles this question a bit differently. The thing to understand is that very often the public school can be worthwhile, with lots of modifications, such as subject and full acceleration, but it may take time to get to exactly where your child needs to be.

I would start with putting together a 'portfolio' - as much in your child's handwriting as possible - demonstrating what the child is up to academically. Bookstores sell workbooks that are grade labeled, and those are an easy way to start. Not the whole workbook, but a few pages in a few subjects in a few grades that show what he can do.

Then get a meeting with the school. Check their website and see if they have a gifted program, if so call the coordinator, if not, call the Principle. I would call now. Everything in schools happens slowly, but you are going to want to spend time sitting in various classrooms and observing what the various teachers and students are like at various grades.

Homeschooling is a viable alternative, and you need it as a 'back pocket option' but it isn't nescessarily the best alternative at any given moment.

I would definitely look at this page - and print it out - so that when you start hearing about tests, which the school might do, you can keep track of the various ones -
http://www.davidsongifted.org/young...holars___Qualification_Criteria_384.aspx

I would search around Hoagies and see information about the various tests. WPPSI isn't the best for your child because he is too far past the academic milestones. WISC !V you'll have to wait until age 5....I wouldn't mess with fudging the numbers. SB-V is a great alternative, but it's harder to find psychologist who use it.

I would stongly recommend you read or buy
http://www.giftedbooks.com/productdetails.asp?id=130

it's a wonderful guide to help you understand the tests and ponder the alternatives. You can read a review of it here
http://www.davidsongifted.org/db/Articles_id_10053.aspx

As far as labling the kid, my guess is that you can't take him to the grocery store without him raising eyebrows and turning heads. If so, he's already attracting lots of attention - better to have a calm and thoughtful explaination than an elephant in the living room. BTW, I hated the word at first, and tried valiantly to work around it for years...I sure got a lot of funny looks!

Love and More Love,
Grinity

Coaching available, at SchoolSuccessSolutions.com