How to get admitted to Highly Gifted Center after fall deadline?

[Anonymous]

We've decided to move our child from his independent school to the local public next fall. I just started looking into the program, and since our kid tests in the 99.6% on all the usual assessments, I called the local school and inquired about advanced curriculum options.

I was told that we'd have to apply to have our son admitted to a Highly Gifted Center (in this case, one in Chevy Chase) but that we've missed the deadline for that. So, we'd have to start our son at a new school next fall, and then have him moved again the following year. I hate to do that to him, just because of my ignorance of how the process works.

Has anyone had their child admitted after the deadline? What's your advice? And, if we can't get him in, will there be enough opportunity in his local school to be challenged in those areas (science) where he excels?

[Anonymous]

You could try calling the Division of Consortium Choice at MCPS, which is the central office for the HGC program but understand that entrance to the HGCs is very competitive so they may either feel the need to enforce the deadline strictly, or, even if you were allowed to apply, there is no guarantee get in.

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/specialprograms/admissions/applications.aspx

Frankly I think MCPS is fairly weak in science at least in elementary school-- they say there will be NCLB testing at some point for science so maybe then they will pay more attention to it. I would look for extra-curricular ways to challenge him.

[Anonymous]

And, if we can't get him in, will there be enough opportunity in his local school to be challenged in those areas (science) where he excels?

What's his local school?

[Anonymous]

If things don't work out with the HGC, you could try supplementing with Johns Hopkins' CTY program. It's a little pricey, but some families say they get a lot out of it.

[Anonymous]

It is highly unlikely a space will be available next year..only if someone moves or drops out...and then you will compete with all the other wait listers. If you don't get them to accept a late ap this year, you are most likely you will have to wait to apply for middle school.

[Anonymous]

If you would be feeding into Chevy Chase, your child would be "competing" with children in some of the very best Moco elementary schools. His testing level is par-for-the-course for these schools (and these kids have been getting math and science instruction that far surpasses what the local privates offer). So, good news, bad news: even if he can't get into the HGC program, he'll be in good hands and get far better instruction than you're used to.
The secret is that any of these elementary schools will offer your child a more robust program than you are used to. If you need to reapply next year, I wouldn't worry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is highly unlikely a space will be available next year..only if someone moves or drops out...and then you will compete with all the other wait listers. If you don't get them to accept a late ap this year, you are most likely you will have to wait to apply for middle school.

I agree.

[Anonymous]

Sorry, I think you missed the boat on HGCs. I've never heard of them burning through the wait list nor have I known anyone to test in 5th grade.

[Anonymous]

...write a letter. It never hurts to try. Kids do drop out of these programs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, I think you missed the boat on HGCs. I've never heard of them burning through the wait list nor have I known anyone to test in 5th grade.

Anonymous wrote:...write a letter. It never hurts to try. Kids do drop out of these programs.

No one tests into the HGC in fifth grade, but kids can be and are admitted from the waitlist.

OP, the best you can hope for is for your child to be waitlisted. FYI, his scores are comparable to many kids who are waitlisted. I'm sure he would benefit from the HGC, but many kids who are not admitted would likewise benefit.

[Anonymous]

PP here -- what I meant by "burning through" is that they don't get through the whole wait list -- sure, a few get in off the wait list but not many.

THat said, the wait list isn't in order -- every time there's a spot they re-evaluate all the applications on the wait list.

But they won't let a kid take the test late or in 5th grade so it's kind of a moot point.

[Anonymous]

OP here. This is good information and I appreciate it. I wanted a realistic understanding of what to expect even if it isn't good news. Thanks to the PP who suggested the Johns Hopkins CTY program. I'll look into that. Yes, yes, I know that 99.6 is actually average among DC darlings.

To the snarky PP who says "any of these elementary schools will offer your child a more robust program than you are used to" and it "far surpasses" any local private, chip on your shoulder much? My kid has been getting an extraordinary science / STEM education since pre-K, 3 times a week. It's just not enough to justify the $30K if I can get the equivalent for free somewhere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. This is good information and I appreciate it. I wanted a realistic understanding of what to expect even if it isn't good news. Thanks to the PP who suggested the Johns Hopkins CTY program. I'll look into that. Yes, yes, I know that 99.6 is actually average among DC darlings.

To the snarky PP who says "any of these elementary schools will offer your child a more robust program than you are used to" and it "far surpasses" any local private, chip on your shoulder much? My kid has been getting an extraordinary science / STEM education since pre-K, 3 times a week. It's just not enough to justify the $30K if I can get the equivalent for free somewhere.

99.6 is not the average in general - it is normal among those admitted to the HGC. Not sure why you referred to kids as "darlings" - we are trying to help you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you would be feeding into Chevy Chase, your child would be "competing" with children in some of the very best Moco elementary schools. His testing level is par-for-the-course for these schools (and these kids have been getting math and science instruction that far surpasses what the local privates offer). So, good news, bad news: even if he can't get into the HGC program, he'll be in good hands and get far better instruction than you're used to.
The secret is that any of these elementary schools will offer your child a more robust program than you are used to. If you need to reapply next year, I wouldn't worry.

Sorry but I'm not impressed with the math and science education my child is receiving in 3rd grade MCPS. I that really your idea of robust? Will try Hail Mary to HGC, then look at privates.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you would be feeding into Chevy Chase, your child would be "competing" with children in some of the very best Moco elementary schools. His testing level is par-for-the-course for these schools (and these kids have been getting math and science instruction that far surpasses what the local privates offer). So, good news, bad news: even if he can't get into the HGC program, he'll be in good hands and get far better instruction than you're used to.
The secret is that any of these elementary schools will offer your child a more robust program than you are used to. If you need to reapply next year, I wouldn't worry.

Sorry but I'm not impressed with the math and science education my child is receiving in 3rd grade MCPS. I that really your idea of robust? Will try Hail Mary to HGC, then look at privates.

My kid is in a 4th grade HGC this year. I've been reasonably impressed so far, but they concentrate a lot more on the math side of things than the science.