There's a good range of options through magnet programs and two highly gifted+ paths.
http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/cmsdepartments/ci/astd/Pages/default.aspxThe standard gifted program (Talent Development is their term) has pullouts, and I'm not sure the range of what they offer. We entered a K-2 feeder program called learning immersion for our DS6 from the magnet system (very important to note that applying for lotteries begins in December) where at 3rd grade he'll go right into the Talent Development magnet. With highly gifted+ scores you can enter a full time magnet called Horizons (
http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/cmsdepartments/ci/astd/horizons/Pages/default.aspx ) or apply for the charter school called the Metrolina Scholar's Academy (
http://www.scholarsacademy.org/ )
So far with K done, we are happy with the acceleration DS6 has received which had him reading at a 5th grade equivalent level at the end of K. Magnets are often in marginal neighborhoods and you may face long car or bus rides.
The standard talent development magnets feed into International Baccaalaureate middle school programs; though I think Horizons may go out to 8th grade and I read that the Metrolina school is expanding their range as they grow.
Overall I've had a really positive feeling about Charlotte's approach to and support for gifted education and am relieved that we didn't have to follow the backup plan of homeschooling.
