Teaching Your Kids At Home

Students who are considered academically gifted frequently face a few challenges that can put a damper on their educational progress. It is common for talented students to become disinterested in classes or work that neglects to challenge them. They may also struggle socially due to conflicts with their peers or a limited availability of school activities. Here are a few ways that a private high school can properly serve your academically gifted child.

1. Private High Schools Typically Offer More Programs for Talented Students

At public high schools, the class options for academically gifted students are often limited due to budget or space restraints. There may be an advanced or honors class, but this may not sufficiently challenge your child. At a private high school, your child will have a large number of programs to choose from to ensure that their school schedule matches their abilities. 

For example, if your child performs one grade level ahead in math and science and two grade levels ahead in other subjects, a private school can more easily place your child in classes that fit their talents. There are usually less age-based restrictions and a larger focus on placing students based on aptitude. 

2. Your Child Can Interact with Students from Different Grade Levels

Some gifted students struggle with social interactions if they mature before their peers. They may view their peers as immature, or their peers may incorrectly categorize them as boring or too devoted to their studies.

At many private schools, class placement goes by ability rather than age and classes consist of multiple ages. This will give your child a chance to interact with peers of all ages to increase their chances of developing meaningful relationships with their classmates. 

3. A Larger Variety of Extracurricular Activities Satisfy Your Child's Interests

Unfortunately, after school activities and sports are typically one of the first things to go when a public school faces budgetary challenges. Even if they successfully meet the needs of a small segment of the school's population, less popular clubs and groups with smaller numbers of students are often cancelled. You can expect a larger assortment of activities at a private school to satisfy the student body's diverse interests and abilities. 

4. The Sense of Community at a Private School Supports Academic Success

Public schools have to work towards improving their students' test scores, even if this negatively affects students whose test scores are already well above the minimum standard. It's easy for your child to fall through the cracks at a public school. A private school has a strong sense of community that encourages your child to realize their academic abilities and constantly seek new challenges.