The Davidson Young Scholars (YS) program has been a wonderful support and resource during my journey to find an appropriate education for my son.
The journey began in the second week of first grade, with the teacher insisting that Renison be moved to the second grade because “he already knew everything” that she could teach him! The benefits of the YS program for us have been numerous: having access to information and seminars via the Davidson Institute’s website, connecting with other families at the annual Summits and through eLists, and having the support of my Family Consultant whenever I asked for help.
The biggest success story involved my son’s enrollment in a regional public high school for highly gifted students. Admission to the high school is highly competitive and only accessed though the homeschool division. My school division, although eligible, had never sent a student to the regional high school. My Family Consultant provided me constant guidance, advice and moral support during the torturous process of convincing the school administration and school board to send Renison to the regional high school. She also wrote a compelling letter to the school administration, explaining the needs of profoundly gifted kids and supporting Renison’s admission to the school. This letter from an objective, knowledgeable third-party played a key role in creating understanding, and ultimately support, on the part of the school administration and board.
The success story, a year later, is that my son loves his high school and is finally receiving a challenging education, surrounded by his peers, with great teachers who love profoundly gifted children!
Programs mentioned in this story: Young Scholars
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This article is provided as a service of the Davidson Institute for Talent Development, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to supporting profoundly gifted young people 18 and under. To learn more about the Davidson Institute’s programs, please visit www.DavidsonGifted.org.
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