I’ve read a lot about it. There is a mass exodus of gifted children from public education. It troubles me as a parent with gifted children in public school. I know why other parents do it. Reasons can vary, but usually it boils down to the school meeting their child’s needs academically, socially, emotionally or some combination of the three. I’d be lying to say that I haven’t thought about doing it myself.

I have.

A lot.

I understand your decision is usually made from a place of concern for the well being of your child. It’s part of parenting. I’m asking you to consider us, too. Consider who you’ll be leaving behind when your child leaves public school.

My son was paired in a classroom with yours based on his aptitude. When your son is at school, there is a greater need for an overburdened teacher to differentiate curriculum for our gifted boys. He has a peer that he can relate to. He shares time with someone that looks for deeper meaning in text, and can relate to the way that he thinks. With two identified gifted students in one classroom, my son isn’t left alone to muddle through a public school education and common core standards.

As a parent, I have advocated for a full time Gifted and Talented teacher for our school district. With your child missing, there is one less reason for the district to fund a full time position. With one less gifted and talented student, a teacher isn’t challenged to adapt teaching methods to meet the needs of GT students.

With more GT students in public schools, we have a louder collective voice as parents, and greater ability to improve the system.

We can improve public schools not just for your child, or my child, but for all children.

Please consider the under identified or unidentified gifted kids you may be leaving behind in the school. They may not be in the same classroom, or grade or gender. They look to your child as a friend, rival, academic peer, and most importantly, someone to learn from.

Maybe, there is something you can do for academic or personal enrichment for your child? Maybe the public school will work with you to do dual enrollment? What about homeschooling for certain subjects or classes, but mainstream the rest? Or a grade skip? Or compact curriculum?

Maybe, as a parent, you’ve tried everything, and you’re feeling exhausted, and want out.

I’ve been there.

But, we’re still here. It might be best for your individual child to homeschool, and you have the means to do it. Before you go, know that there are other parents who rely on you and your child being a part of the public school system.

Please stay.

Read other articles written about homeschooling gifted kids by clicking 

www.HoagiesGifted.org/blog_hop_homeschooling.htm

Genealogy Jen’s Challenge of the Week – Download and use the free FamilySearch Memories App or Discovery feature and record a story about your school experience. Bonus Points– Record an older relative’s memories. PS I love that there is now a voice to text feature on the app.

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