Typical day at HGC

[Anonymous]

Hi!
I'd like to know what a typical day/week is for a child in a HGC program in terms of classes. I've seen some input on the amount of homework. We are currently at a small private and want to weigh the pros/cons. So please share your insights with us. Thanks!!! P.S. We are thrilled that DC got accepted, but need to see if it is the right fit.

[Anonymous]

What is HGC?

[Anonymous]

HGC is abbreviation for the Highly Gifted Center. I know because I am a 4th grader in HGC and I love it!

[Anonymous]

21:47, please tell me what your day is like.

[Anonymous]

Why do people feel the need for a thousand different abbreviations?

[Anonymous]

it's not just "people" - that's how Mont.Co. refers to Highly Gifted Centers, or just "Centers."

[Anonymous]

we know someone who switched to an HGC from a small private and haven't regretted it at all...the HGC is almost like having a private school within a regular-sized public school

[Anonymous]

At least at our school, all the classes in that grade get mixed up for "specials" (art, music, PE etc), plus of course for lunch and recess, so they are pretty much on the same general schedule as any other kid in MCPS.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks 23:17! I am woefully ignorant of the classes offered in public school. It's good to know that there are specials classes and recess still! I had heard complaints about the kids not getting enough exercise and thought that recess had been cut out. In what grade does recess end?

22:51, thanks for your input. It's good to know that HGC is like being in a private school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:we know someone who switched to an HGC from a small private and haven't regretted it at all...the HGC is almost like having a private school within a regular-sized public school

maybe I exagerrated a bit, but I agree with...At least at our school, all the classes in that grade get mixed up for "specials" (art, music, PE etc), plus of course for lunch and recess, so they are pretty much on the same general schedule as any other kid in MCPS.

There's definitely recess, lunch, specials that are with the other classes, as well as assemblies, field trips, instrumental music, ceremonies, etc are together with all the 5th graders and the rest of the school.

[Anonymous]

I think 5th grade is the last year for recess (but that's also the end of the center/elementary school).

[Anonymous]

My experience is only with public school. I do not think that the HGC is like having a private school within a public school. I think it's like having a particular program within a public school -- which is what, in fact, it is.

OP, if you want to know what a typical day is like, then I suggest that you go to the open house and listen and talk to real live people involved with the program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My experience is only with public school. I do not think that the HGC is like having a private school within a public school. I think it's like having a particular program within a public school -- which is what, in fact, it is.

OP, if you want to know what a typical day is like, then I suggest that you go to the open house and listen and talk to real live people involved with the program.

I think the first statement is accurate (although I wonder why I don't count as a real live person ). If you go private for small classes, or lots of "specials"/recess, then HGC isn't any different from any other public classroom (in fact, while sometimes you can luck out into a smaller class by virtue of the numbers in a given grade, an HGC class will always be close to or at the allowable capacity, since there are lots of kids trying to get in). On the other hand, if you are looking for a challenging, interesting curriculum, that is something the HGC can provide.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My experience is only with public school. I do not think that the HGC is like having a private school within a public school. I think it's like having a particular program within a public school -- which is what, in fact, it is.

OP, if you want to know what a typical day is like, then I suggest that you go to the open house and listen and talk to real live people involved with the program.

I think the first statement is accurate (although I wonder why I don't count as a real live person ). If you go private for small classes, or lots of "specials"/recess, then HGC isn't any different from any other public classroom (in fact, while sometimes you can luck out into a smaller class by virtue of the numbers in a given grade, an HGC class will always be close to or at the allowable capacity, since there are lots of kids trying to get in). On the other hand, if you are looking for a challenging, interesting curriculum, that is something the HGC can provide.

I agree - I did not really understand that whole "private school" comment. Class sizes are around 26, and there are no extra resources. What you do get is a fabulous curriculum, a great peer group and talented teachers. The work is interesting and challenging, the kids get great writing and critical thinking skills. But you are in a regular public school. We think this is a plus- best of both worlds really.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My experience is only with public school. I do not think that the HGC is like having a private school within a public school. I think it's like having a particular program within a public school -- which is what, in fact, it is.

OP, if you want to know what a typical day is like, then I suggest that you go to the open house and listen and talk to real live people involved with the program.

I think the first statement is accurate (although I wonder why I don't count as a real live person ). If you go private for small classes, or lots of "specials"/recess, then HGC isn't any different from any other public classroom (in fact, while sometimes you can luck out into a smaller class by virtue of the numbers in a given grade, an HGC class will always be close to or at the allowable capacity, since there are lots of kids trying to get in). On the other hand, if you are looking for a challenging, interesting curriculum, that is something the HGC can provide.

I agree - I did not really understand that whole "private school" comment. Class sizes are around 26, and there are no extra resources. What you do get is a fabulous curriculum, a great peer group and talented teachers. The work is interesting and challenging, the kids get great writing and critical thinking skills. But you are in a regular public school. We think this is a plus- best of both worlds really.

Do you think that the teaching, critical teaching skills taught are equal or better than that in a private school? This really cuts to the heart of the matter for me.