Nysmith question

[Anonymous]

Since Nysmith is cosidered to be a school for the gifted, do applicants have to take an IQ test in order to be accepted? If they do, what is the cutoff score?

[Anonymous]

Old Nysmith parent here. When our kids went there, they supposedly took the IQ test into consideration. I've also heard that an IQ test is no longer required, which I find strange, and not sure if that's even true. I'm sorry I can't tell you an exact number. Some other parents said they just wanted to make sure the kids was at least above average. My kids were in the 126 to 132 range and did fine there. IMO the kids I know in FCPS GT are as smart or smarter than the typical kid at Nysmith. Nysmith has some odd kids that are over the top smart, but have social issues that would probably cause problems (like bullying) in a large public school. The classes are small, and the kids are pretty accepting of the kids who are "different".

[Anonymous]

This is our first year at Nysmith, and we could not be more impressed with the teachers and facility. It certainly trumped our overcrowded Fairfax County GT magnet elemetary school with its 30+ kids in a class and overworked teachers.

The IQ test (WPSII or WISC) is REQUIRED except at the preschool level. You need a superior or very superior score to be accepted (basically 120 or above). Not sure what PP was talking about.

Many of the 8th graders at Nysmith are accepted to mecca (Thomas Jefferson High), so particularly if your kid is strong in science or math, you should definitely take a look.

[Anonymous]

We applied to Nysmith and Edlin last year (2009) and both required testing (we submitted WISC-IV scores). We opted for the FCPS GT Center as the class size worked for us (18 students in 3rd grade).

[Anonymous]

Nysmith is a for profit enterprise, not a 501(c)(3) school. Perhaps that is better? Perhaps not.

[Anonymous]

I agree with the parent who posted about being a first timer at Nysmith. I can't say enough good things about the school. Many of the teachers have been there for 10+ years, and the teachers care a great deal about the kids and are extremely responsive to parents. There are only 1 or 2 kids in each grade (60 kids) that have social issues due to being over the top smart--but the school works with them. I also don't believe that a kid here or there with social issues is unique to Nysmith. An IQ test is required.

[Anonymous]

Does the school provid the test and environment, or does the parent do this privately. Also, how much does it cost to take the test?

[Anonymous]

If you're wondering what an IQ test costs, you may want to look at another school than Nysmith. The tuition is rapidly approaching 30K. Not worth it in my opinion. My kids were there for three years, up to last year. There are some teachers who have been there for a long time and are great, but there is also high turnover, especially with the co-teachers.

[Anonymous]

IQ test is between $300-400.

Tuition is 24K this year for K-3rd. VERY worth it in our opinion, but each to their own. All we know is that our kid comes home with great ideas, and loves to learn, so we feel we are getting our money's worth!!!!!

[Anonymous]

I agree with the poster above. My kids LOVE going to Nysmith and never complain at all about going to school. We looked at a number of schools and could not find the science and math in the earlier grades that we found at Nysmith. The kindergarten science teacher, Ms. Hand, is truly special. My kids love science because of her. As for the co-teachers leaving, yes, there is some turnover, but the primary teachers have been there for a long time. The bus service is also very good.

[Anonymous]

We looked at this school this past winter for our HG son and were very impressed. the head of lower school spent about 2 1/2 half hours walking us around the school and addressing all of our concerns and introducing us to teachers. The most impressive part IMO is they allow the students to work on whatever level the child is capable of, this is very important as there are certainly differences in the way and speed mildly gifted and profoundly gifted children learn.

[Anonymous]

What is the cut off? 130? 98th percentile? Don;t know if my child would qualify.

[Anonymous]

120 I believe is the minimum they will accept.

[Anonymous]

120? Really? Isn't that below 90th percentile? I thought "gifted" was essentially 130 and above.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:120? Really? Isn't that below 90th percentile? I thought "gifted" was essentially 130 and above.

I can't speak on behalf of Nysmith...I don't have a child there.

But, you are correct....130 is what's considered gifted. HOwever, there are many children with uneven strengths. They could test well about 130 in verbal or spatial skills and have closer to average processing speed for example. This would result in a full scale IQ that may be a bit lower than 130 but the child would certainly still benefit from this type of curriculum. I bet this may be why they are willing to accept some children with 120+ FSIQ. Again, I'm speculating....