Relocating and need to find the right school for my child (Greenville: appointed, renting)

[lvdead0]

Hello everyone and thanks in advance for trying to help me out. I will be relocating to Greenville shortly to start a new business and need some info as to where to settle. My daughter is a very advanced/gifted child. She's 6 and in the 3rd grade half a day! Coming from KY it may not mean much but SC ranks last in education so I'm very worried. I went to speak with the administration at North St. Academy and asked if there were any resources for here and was plainly told no. No pull-out program, no full-day program, nothing, nada, ziltch! Bascially, she'd have to repeat the 2nd grade and apply to the Sterling gifted school for next year. Any suggestions on the best public schools that will do something to address the needs of a gifted child technically in 2nd grade? I will be renting for the first yr or two so as long as it's in Greenville County I'm ok. And as a single parent I would like for the school to be linked to a safe neighborhood too!

PS - I heard about Stone Academy but any suggestions/info is helpful!

[jac]

First, I hope when you are comparing schools by looking at lists, that you take into account that South Carolina has some of the highest standards in the country. Compare the MAP test scores for a proficient rating for 2nd grade in South Carolina to Kentucky and you will see what I am talking about.

As for schools, there are many that are good. I would suggest that you look at the schools with IB programs. I think both Sara Collins and Fork Shoals have this program. You can find out which other schools have it by checking the Greenville County Schools website. Also, you may want to check out the lower grades at Sterling, especially if you think your daughter will qualify for the gifted school.

[Kkirch123]

I had a similar issue when moving from florida. We are in Anderson 1 district (wren). Our daughter was in a gifted class in 1st grade (fl). Coming here they do not do anything for gifted until 3rd (if they pass a certain test and get in). I asked and asked...her teacher said she would ask more questions as to how she got the answers to a problem etc. She basically was bored in 2nd grade. We challenged her at home instead of school. This year she is in a program called launch. They pull out the gifted kids 120 minutes a week. She loves it! They do some out of the box thinking etc. Not sure what greenville does. I heard it is similar. Good luck and the best thing to do is just challenge at home for a bit.

[lvdead0]

Thanks Alot for your posts. I still think it's unfortunate that an identified gifted child has no help by the tax payers public school system. When we were in SC last week she saw her 3rd grade social studies book was also being used in SC. Even after my child and I both identified to the administration that she is currently using that book and just received a 100% A on her test. And now she has to go back to 2nd grade social studies which she finished in April of last school year. I think it's a shame.

[jac]

I believe 3rd graders in South Carolina study South Carolina History, therefore I doubt everything would be the same. If it is an issue for you, there are a number of Montessori Schools in the area that provide a more independent study environment. You may want to check into those.

Just so you know, I do understand what you are dealing with. My oldest child attended 1st grade in a state that had a gifted program that started in 1st grade. He spent 60 minutes a day with his teacher and two other students. He loved it and was very dissappointed that he didn't have that when we moved here. However, that one year without that program did not harm him. In fact, I think it gave him a chance to get settled into his new environment.

[Kkirch123]

Originally Posted by jac

I believe 3rd graders in South Carolina study South Carolina History, therefore I doubt everything would be the same. If it is an issue for you, there are a number of Montessori Schools in the area that provide a more independent study environment. You may want to check into those.

Just so you know, I do understand what you are dealing with. My oldest child attended 1st grade in a state that had a gifted program that started in 1st grade. He spent 60 minutes a day with his teacher and two other students. He loved it and was very dissappointed that he didn't have that when we moved here. However, that one year without that program did not harm him. In fact, I think it gave him a chance to get settled into his new environment.

I have to agree that it did not hurt them. I also think it is good for them to settle in. Our daughter is in 3rd and yes they are learning sc history.

[lvdead0]

You are correct it was the same book adapted for SC as ours was based on KY history however, all of the content outside of that was the same. Thank you for trying to quell my fears but I admit I do feel dismayed about our move now and unfortunately private school is not an option. could anyone tell me what the best schools choices are in Greenville Coutny? Thanks.

[Kkirch123]

Does it have to be greenville county? Just on the outside 10-15 minutes is piedmont/powdersville schools. I have looked into many districts and chose this one. Anderson county 1. I would compare schools using this Report Card Portal it is the report cards. You can see graduation rates, test scores etc. This helped us narrow down which schools NOT to go with.