Possibility of getting kids in a higher grade than on mainland (Honolulu: homes, school district) - City-Data Forum

jaicam12 · 07-27-2011, 06:37 PM

Hello guys...Me and my family will be moving to the Big Island beginning of September. I currently have a 3rd, 6th, 7th and 11th grader. Here in Georgia my kids were offered to take a test to have them promoted to a higher grade than they are currently in because of their academic grades and gifted classes that they are in. On the island, is it possible to have them tested as well their to be promoted or whats the likely-hood of it happening? I also considered homeschooling for a year than have them tested before they go into the public schools. I would love to hear suggestions as I don't want to hold them back from possibly finishing school earlier if they can. Thanks.

winkosmosis · 07-27-2011, 07:08 PM

Sounds like a sure way to gaurantee your kids get their asses kicked. I'm guessing they're in a suburban school district right now, where there isn't pressure against doing well in school. It's going to be different on the Big Island. Think inner city schools.

jaicam12 · 07-27-2011, 07:17 PM

We are currently in county about 15 minutes south of Atlanta, GA. So the curriculum is harder where they are now. Before moving to GA we were in Nashville TN and they attended a montossori school. Also we're African American so they definately won't have a problem in an inner city school. We're in the south...lol.

winkosmosis · 07-27-2011, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaicam12

We are currently in county about 15 minutes south of Atlanta, GA. So the curriculum is harder where they are now. Before moving to GA we were in Nashville TN and they attended a montossori school.

Would you send them to an urban Atlanta school? If not, you might want to reconsider the Big Island

Joliefille · 07-27-2011, 08:35 PM

I would ask that you consider the disadvantage of having a 16 or 17 year old go off to college, living on their own.

They will have barely learned to drive and will be asked to pick a career or field of study that will impact them for the rest of their lives.

Or, if there are no plans for college, they'll end doing what? Most employers won't hire kids under 18, due to work permits and restricted hours.

Just some food for thought...

hotzcatz · 07-28-2011, 12:15 AM

If they were my kids, I'd enroll them in the public school systems for the peer group interactions such as sports, band, etc., and then cover their core education by homeschooling. I don't think we have all that many "gifted" classes in our public schools, but I haven't looked.

jaicam12 · 07-28-2011, 09:56 AM

Thanks HotCatz I will do that. Is it possible to just enroll them for the interaction, if so how would I do that?

Calico Salsa · 07-28-2011, 11:25 AM

I'll let her speak for herself, but I think hotzcatz meant that you would enroll the kids as usual, and supplement their education at home. I don't know if there is a way to have a mix of public schooling but grades derived from home schooling...

I firmly believe that parents need to enhance and supplement public schooling at all times, no matter the location or grade. The public schools are simply not funded, equipped, or motivated in a way to provide the education and follow up that children will need to get a really great basis for life. I'm talking about today, but even decades ago when I was in school, my parents were very involved in our schooling.

We don't have kids, but I haven't heard of any advanced programs in the public schools on Maui. There are extra-curricular activities that aren't sports based, but I don't think they are offered by the regular system.

I agree - put them in a school system, whether public or private, to get all the benefits of group interaction and development, meeting people, learning more about themselves outside of the family group. Then be VERY involved with education, offer them additional classes at home, and look into any other activities to stimulate and further their interests.

Jonah K · 07-28-2011, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaicam12

Hello guys...Me and my family will be moving to the Big Island beginning of September. I currently have a 3rd, 6th, 7th and 11th grader. Here in Georgia my kids were offered to take a test to have them promoted to a higher grade than they are currently in because of their academic grades and gifted classes that they are in. On the island, is it possible to have them tested as well their to be promoted or whats the likely-hood of it happening? I also considered homeschooling for a year than have them tested before they go into the public schools. I would love to hear suggestions as I don't want to hold them back from possibly finishing school earlier if they can. Thanks.

What part of the Big Island are you planning to move to? In some parts of the Big Island, kids are considered "gifted" if they can speak standard English and read at grade level.

mdand3boys · 07-28-2011, 03:05 PM

I have been trying to get one of mine (now in 8th) promoted an extra grade up for over two years. He is in the gifted range, has perfect grades, social abilities and is already older than the rest of his Hawaiian classmates due to his birth date, which on the mainland caused him to wait an extra year to start school. In reality, he could jump two grades and be fine. When in 6th, they gave him both 7th and 8th grade algebra and while in seventh, he took freshman high school algebra. Other subjects have been modified for him as well.

Essentially, approval needs to eventually be given by someone in Honolulu. It is a nightmare of paperwork, etc. and the process seems to restart each year.

edit to add: He has had ZERO trouble with any local or local-wannabee kids either. This is due partly to his ability to show equal respect to other kids and partly because he is the tallest kid in the class. He also volunteered to read to preschool and kindergarten children while in 6th grade.