Reply #4: One of my sons was in the Gifted program. [View All]

I thought there was way too much emphasis on preparing for and competing in academic competitions like quiz bowls and math competitions. I didn't think he benefitted much except for being able to spend time with other gifted children. He dropped out of the program in high school because he was missing too much class time and doing too much "make-up" work. (Gifted students aren't supposed to have to make up every assignment, but some teachers would require it anyhow.)

The usual practice is to include gifted students with the regular learners in order to "lift" everyone. The opposite is true: the slower learners bring the level of instruction down. That was our experience in rural public schools at least.