Gifted/Accelerated Elementary Education in NM (Albuquerque, Rio Rancho: magnet school, move to, teachers)

[shukertj]

Hi All,

We're researching a move to Albuquerque in the next couple of years. One of our main concerns is the quality of the educational system, as we will have 2 school age kids at the time of our move.

Our son (first grade next year) is academically advanced and would benefit from being in some sort of accelerated/GT program. Does anyone know if APS or Rio Rancho Public Schools (or even any in the East Mountains) has such a program? How is gifted/accelerated education accommodated in the ABQ area, particularly in the early elementary years?

I'd love to hear from any parents who have any knowledge about this or from anyone in the education field. Thanks so much in advance!

[ralthor]

I just finished all the paperwork for getting my son into the gifted program in APS this week. It took a long time because the process is the same for learning disabilities and gifted, but learning disabilities take precedence. The teachers have been great at giving him more challenging tasks and putting him in pull out classes for math before it was official. Not sure what it is like at other schools.

[shukertj]

Thanks, Ralthor. Where is your son going to school, and what grade is he in, if you don't mind me asking? What is the structure of the gifted program--are the kids mainstreamed and then pulled out for the core subjects, or is their entire day spent with other accelerated kids? We applied to a magnet school here in Colorado that is only for high-achieving kids. The application process includes testing and teacher recommendations and admission is very competetive; I think they only accept about 25% of applicants. We are still waiting to hear if he got in. Do you know if there is anything comparable in the ABQ area?

[ralthor]

I'll PM you