Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Identification, Testing & Assessment Is 145 etched in stone?

It really is great! And we keep in touch on Facebook and/or through e-mail. So we are cultivating some really wonderful friendships with families who really get us, in all our wonderful weirdness, and we them.

Many of these needs can be met in other ways, of course, including forums like this one. So I don't want to make it sound like it's the end of the world if a kid doesn't get in. It certainly is not. But if one has a child who qualifies, I would absolutely recommend it.

If nothing else, I figure it's good insurance for the future in case we have trouble and need some support. And that is 100% free.

I find that some families barely take advantage of the program while others are more "heavy users". We went in and have found it a great resource, but I have seen some who really don't use any of the services.

Thanks Kriston. You painted a better picture of DYS for me than the website did. I didn't understand why so many posters were testing to qualify for DYS and I have yet to see one testing for the academy. I was thinking of the fellowship among the kids at the academy, but now I understand why DYS is very cool itself!

DYS doesn't require relocation. Attending the Academy does, unless one already lives in NV. That's bound to affect the numbers, I'm sure!

Back to the original question, they do at least look at kids who are really close. My ds-then-5.5yo was two points short on the WPPSI but had a few qualifying+ scores on his achievement testing. They didn't admit him with those scores alone, but did ask for more information, and he was admitted with a pretty strong portfolio (some good video and work samples).

HTH!