Good thing about it is that most teachers are GATE trained, but not sure if they can handle and understand a highly gifted child. I am starting to believe a child in GATE program is different than a child who is highly gifted. I wouldn't say the same a month ago before I discover ds's IQ score.
Sounds like you are making excellent progress! LOG (level of giftedness) is still not well understood, even by GATE trained folks. ((applause)) I had scores in front of me and still didn't understand what they could possibly have to do with my son's misbehavior in the classroom!
BTW - I wouldn't wait for the achievement scores to come back, unless the achievement tests are tests that they school is very used to dealing with. The typical school response is, 'Well yes, it says that your child reading on a 8th grade equivalency, but we see results like this among kids his age all the time and they don't mean anything.
First ask the school what tests would mean something to them, and then choose the test. A simple '2nd grade - Math scope and sequence list' might be more helpful. too bad there isn't such thing as a 'final exam' for 3rd graders, but that's what you want, more or less. The longer you delay, the longer it will take - so start making a request (in hard copy writing)for a meeting to determine what kind of placement you think would be appropriate tommorow. Then sit quietly and observe various classrooms and grades. Observe at the Charter school as well. Observe - Observe - Observe! It may take some trial and error, but soon you will get to know what kind of teacher your child likes. My extroverted DS12 needed a carismatic leader in the classroom who could be a clear 'pack leader' and yet showed him a lot of approval. It's probably different for your son, but you will get to know what it takes after a while.
Best Wishes,
Grinity
