My son tested into the gifted program, housed at another elementary school. We chose five years ago to have him advance a grade. (skipped 2nd grade). thought he would be more challenged. He is now in 7th grade. Socially it is a disaster. We thought at the time he would be fine socially, but not the case. His state tests just came back and he scored advanced in the areas tested for his grade.(and he is a year younger). Other kids are developing more, growing taller and this is upsetting to him. Other 7th graders just won't deal with the way he acts. He has issues. even though he has a very high IQ, he failed three classes a year ago. Made honor roll this year(2nd qtr). This quarter he just decided he isn't going to do any classwork/homework. He thinks he should know it already, and when he doesn't, he refuses any help, and refuses to do it. When he gets frustrated, he shuts down. We were offered advanced classes, however there is just too much homework, too much frustration. We do have teachers who he has who also teach advanced classes. They do give him more challenging work when he "is in the mood". So frustrating for us. Trying to do the right thing, often turning out to be the wrong thing. If he decides to apply himself and does well the next few years, he will be entering his senior year of high school at age 16. That is scary.
