Is it possible to apply late for GT Center?

[Anonymous]

We don't have a good excuse. We are in private, thought we could stick it out for one more year (next year is 8th) but kids (twins) really hate it, and we are so disappointed in the curriculum. Is there any hope for a late application? They've never even been tested, so I don't know if they're eligible. They would go to Kilmer. If there is a chance, whom should I call? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Well, I suspect there is a way and I know there is a process for kids who move into FCPS from outside the district. I doubt it is well advertised though. I would call the AAP Central office and see what they say.

[Anonymous]

Agree with PP -- contact the AAP Central office and ask for their advice. People move into the FCPS district all the time so there has to be a process.

[Anonymous]

I might be wrong, but I think if you were moving in from out of the district you'd apply now and your children could go in January. It should be on the FCPS AAP web page.

[Anonymous]

I'm pretty sure if you applied now, you'd be applying for admission in January, not September. I don't know of any procedures for late applications just because you're coming from a private school. But maybe there's something and I'm not aware of it.

The problem is that the applications have to be considered by the central selection committee, and there are timelines for when they meet. It is not done on a rolling basis as new children enter the system. In fact, I think that is why they have the January start date in the first place - so you don't have to wait an entire school year if you don't apply in time to start in September.

And if you haven't noticed or read the other threads on this board re the GT centers, some parents will object vehemently to any deviation from the procedures, claiming some kids are getting preferential treatment. So FCPS is fairly strict in adhering to the published timelines and application procedures. Parents seem to get really up in arms over the deadline stuff; if you are permitted to apply late, then you've had extra time to prepare your application, etc, and that's not fair to the kids who applied on time, so the argument goes.

Even kids moving in from out of the district who want to apply now would be considered for January, not Sept, and unfortunately you may have even less of a "good excuse" since you're not new to the area. Still worth investigating, though, but you may be looking at January.

I'd be very curious to know what you find out!

[Anonymous]

In called, and you all are right. We would have to apply for January, which makes it not worthwhile for us. Totally understandable since otherwise they'd be looking at applications year round.

[Anonymous]

FYI about "out of district" moves: we moved in December and DD was approved to start at the GT center by the first day of school in January. It's unfortunate that the rules are stricter for local kids, as it means that properly using one's public school has to be planned on more of a private school application timeline. AFAIK, there is no comparable deadline for getting an IEP, and after doing this gifted thing for 10 years, I think it's a type of special need.