gifted kids and schools (Colorado Springs: house, neighborhood, school districts) - (CO) - City-Data Forum

tnta · 04-21-2007, 08:49 PM

Greetings! We are thrilled to be moving to the Springs this summer. I know many great and not so great things about the various school districts, but what about gifted programs?

Anyone have an opinion on which district or even specific schools are best for gifted kids? I have two boys, one going into 4th grade and the other starting middle school.

Am hoping to get a feel from "real folk" on the subject to narrow it down before I talk directly to the schools.

Also, does anyone know if you are in a gifted program in another state, if you are automatically accepted by the program in CO or do they have to be retested?

Thanks much for any advice!

dmggk · 04-21-2007, 09:44 PM

I posted a question about gifted ed a while back and didn't learn much here. However, I have since researched quite a bit and learned some stuff. We also are moving to COS this summer and I have a 2nd grade son who has been identified as gifted in KS. It is my understanding that the state of Colorado does not mandate gifted education (meaning it is the decision of each district what, if anything, they do with gifted kids). Not knowing where we were going to live, I sent applications in for my son to a variety of schools, just wanting a good fit for him. He applied to a private school, the Renaissance Academy - their website talks about a gifted education for each child, and a gifted magnet school in District 11. We have since found a house and we are going to be living in District 12. After speaking with a number of people in COS (directors of programs, principals, and 'learning specialists'=gifted educator), I think my son will be happy at his neighborhood school. It sounds like they will work with us to make sure he's being challenged enough, whether it is supplemental stuff in the classroom or pull-out services (generally offered for 4th grade and up). I also learned that testing for gifted is not done until the end of 3rd grade when all students take the COGAT. I think finding the right school depends on what is right for each specific child. My son is very gifted, but also very much a seven year old boy who makes silly noises and loves to goof around with his friends....this is a big part of what led me to the decision to go with the neighborhood school.
Everyone I talked with was incredibly friendly and helpful.....so my advice is to call the schools you're thinking about, talk to a 'learning specialist' and seek their advice!
Good luck! Let me know if you learn anything interesting.

froggin4colorado · 04-23-2007, 04:55 PM

tnta-
Which ever school district/school you look into, you want to check into their TAG program (talented and gifted). Furthermore, ask the principal and/or ask to speak to a teacher on how the program is implemented. There are some schools that don't use the program wisely. Also, meet with the teacher and ask how willing she/he is to differentiate. Oh, and one more caution, teachers frequently hear "my child is gifted" (especially in D20) when in reality, just an average kiddo- just proud parents. I am not accusing you of this, just be prepared to show documentation of some kind so they will take you seriously. Ask for your child's classroom portfolio so you present it to your new teacher(completed work that should have been saved as an informal assessment). If there isn't anything available to demonstrate how high your child is, ask your child's teacher to test him/her ASAP. If it appears that this testing isn't happening right away, offer to have it done after school- this will show how serious you are and you might get results (during school hours).
The biggest question here is how willing and supporting is the school in differentiation? A gifted and talented teacher can not be in your child's classroom all day- so how capable is the teacher in adapting the curriculum in every subject? GOOD LUCK!!! Lynette

tnta · 04-23-2007, 06:44 PM

thank you both for your suggestions and information! I will definitely get a packet of information from the gifted teachers here to take with us as "proof". That's pretty funny that some parents might pretend their kids are gifted. Here in VA, it is also a voluntary pull-out program, but the testing is very stringent.

We have been concentrating our home search in D-20 and Lewis-Palmer 38. Anyone have any more specific opinions on the TAG programs in those two districts?

idonia · 11-14-2007, 09:49 PM

I moved into D49 because I was told it had a great GT Program. Worst mistake I've ever made. Kids hate it, not much of a program. Go anywhere but District 49. Hope I save you the heartache and frustration we have endured.

Vision67 · 11-15-2007, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tnta

Greetings! We are thrilled to be moving to the Springs this summer. I know many great and not so great things about the various school districts, but what about gifted programs?

Anyone have an opinion on which district or even specific schools are best for gifted kids? I have two boys, one going into 4th grade and the other starting middle school.

Am hoping to get a feel from "real folk" on the subject to narrow it down before I talk directly to the schools.

Also, does anyone know if you are in a gifted program in another state, if you are automatically accepted by the program in CO or do they have to be retested?

Thanks much for any advice!

My son was in the IB "International Bacalaurate" program at D20 Rampart High. It was a great program because it selected the best students.

He graduated #1 in his class, went on to admission to Columbia University, graduated there and now is going to Medical School.

D20 provides a great opportunity!

Maynerd · 11-16-2007, 12:32 PM

There's also an IB program in D-11, at Palmer HS.

bashep · 11-20-2007, 09:55 AM

Here is website w/ some great info. Colorado Springs Schools

hope this helps! bashep

jonerin · 12-12-2007, 09:56 PM

We are also moving to COS next summer and I'm so grateful to this forum and all the information all of you have shared. We have a son who started Kindergarten in a gifted charter school last year and I'd like to continue his education in a similar challenging environment. I have just barely started my research and I haven't come across any gifted charter schools in COS, does anyone know of any? It also seems as if most public schools don't identify gifted kids until 3rd or 4th grade. I know IQ tests before that age are not always accurate but do any of the schools have more differentiated learning in 1st or 2nd grade? We will probably look into D20 and D12, but does anyone have a specific elementary school recommendation? What about any Experiential Learning schools?

Thanks for your help!

Charles · 12-13-2007, 04:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonerin

We are also moving to COS next summer and I'm so grateful to this forum and all the information all of you have shared. We have a son who started Kindergarten in a gifted charter school last year and I'd like to continue his education in a similar challenging environment. I have just barely started my research and I haven't come across any gifted charter schools in COS, does anyone know of any? It also seems as if most public schools don't identify gifted kids until 3rd or 4th grade. I know IQ tests before that age are not always accurate but do any of the schools have more differentiated learning in 1st or 2nd grade? We will probably look into D20 and D12, but does anyone have a specific elementary school recommendation? What about any Experiential Learning schools?

Thanks for your help!

Why not call the school district offices?