My son is gifted (not by my definition, but by the state's). He started middle school this year and is doing pretty well. He has matured a lot over the past few weeks and says he likes it alright.
We have been thinking of sending him to a private christian school because the schools were I live are getting so bad. He has had problems fitting in because he doesn't understand kids his own age. His best friend started the private school so he wants to go to be with him.
We can't really afford a private school but have figured out ways to make it work. I worry that because he is gifted the private school doesn't have programs for gifted children and he may miss out. Also, you hear of sheltering a child to much? What do you think?
2006-10-03 16:39:02 · 8 answers · asked by sceptileptic 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Adolescent
The private school is so small his friend is the only person in the sixth grade!
2006-10-03 16:55:26 · update #1
Keep him in public. Otherwise, he'll be book smart and street dumb!
2006-10-03 18:12:51 · answer #1 · answered by 2Good4U 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Your son's school district must have a program for gifted and talented children, as it is consider a branch of special education. Get him involved in the program with other gifted children and it will be very beneficial. When I was placed in the gifted and talented program as a kid, it really helped me develop creatively and intellectually. The gifted program will challenge your son in new and different ways, because the teachers have had special training in how to enrich the learning experience. He will still benefit from the socialization that he receives at the public school. Call your school and ask to speak to the director of the gifted and talented program. Don't send him to the private school unless you are sure you can afford it and it is a good match. Private schools run by churches are not always the best place for some kids.
2006-10-03 16:52:50 · answer #2 · answered by Zach S. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You raised all the considerations that I would bring up. I think you just have to apply them.
There is a point to more diverse socializaion in public schools. But there is also a point that in a lot of them the situation is really bad. There are public schools that are bad enough I would eat beans if I had to inoder to send my child to a private school.
I think your child is old enough that you should give deference to his wishes.
I also think you should look into the programs for gifted children--and discuss it with both the public school and this private school--and evaluate them yourself.
One thing that you did not mention--I think you should consider other private schools. If you do not think the public schools are the place you want your kid--but you are cocncerned about the abilities of this Christian school to accomadate a gift child--see if there are other private schools that might be able to do better. I know your son wants to go to this particular one because of his friend. But on this I might over ride his wishes.
I don't know how you feel about Catholic schools. And I don't know how good they are in your area. But you might be able to find the type of education you want there--along with a better environment--but one with some diversity like the public school--but more control and discpline. It also might be more affordabale--there are also often tuition programs.
2006-10-03 22:13:47 · answer #3 · answered by beckychr007 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No.. I wouldn't. I am a "gifted child" and was tested in the 2nd and 5th grade.. I was glad my mom didn't send me to the smart kids school. I liked feeling smarter than the other kids and eventually his knowledge will level up to what he's learning in school. I'm in 9th grade now and I'm still glad my mom didn't send me there. I don't think you should do it. He also has to learn that he will be away from his best friends sometimes.. like if they move or whatever.
2006-10-04 09:30:18 · answer #4 · answered by Bethany 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my best friend went to a private school and i went to a public. I found other ways of seeing her and we are still friends. I dont think that u should spend the money you dont necessarily have and instead save that money for big summer trips. he'll miss out on a lot if you send him to a private school. he'll make more friends and get to do a lot more. trust me :-)
2006-10-03 16:50:22 · answer #5 · answered by gene9 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES YOU SHOULD, BECAUSE MY SISTERS SON WAS ALSO GIFTED AND HE WENT TO A PUBLIC SCHOOL. WELL HE HUNG AROUND WITH SOME TROUBLE KIDS AND HE ENDED NOT GRADUATING FROM SCHOOL. IF YOU SEND HIM TO A PRIVATE SCHOOL, HE WILL HAVE A BETTER CHANCE OF SUCCEEDING IN SCHOOL, ALSO THE CLASSROOMS ARE SMALLER.
2006-10-03 16:46:51 · answer #6 · answered by tinkerbell 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm enrolled in a private school myself, so I guess I'm a bit biased, but I say go for it, as long as you're sure you can afford it.
2006-10-03 17:00:39 · answer #7 · answered by Darko 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NAH UYOU NEED TO KEEP HIM IN PUBLIC ITS BETTER TO SOCIALIZE WITH ALL DIF KINDS OF PEOPLE
2006-10-03 16:42:54 · answer #8 · answered by ♥[[Mia]]♥ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋