Early specialization in schools

[Anonymous]

I just had a fight with an old friend, who told me I was worrying too much about middle school for my kid.
My friend said 'Find what subjects he likes, and pick a school which stresses those subjects'
My response was that 11 was too young to be focusing on any field, unless my son were a prodigy (which he isn't)
At what age do you feel a child's talents and inclinations should materially affect school choice, and course choice?
Shouldn't EVERY 14 year old take a biology course if he isn't developmentally challenged?
Shouldn't every child understand enough math to know if the mortgage company is ripping him off?
what are your views on this?

[Anonymous]

I'm with you. I can understand specializing in a language (there's little to gain in taking a year of French, followed by a year of German, then a year of Japanese, etc. I can also see choosing an elective course in computer programming instead of art, but again we're talking about electives. There is a core curriculum which college admissions officers want to see on an applicants record, and it includes: English, Math, Social Studies and Science among the basics.

That's what makes me a little nervous about the specialized "magnet" high schools. I guess there are some kids who know early on that they're terrific at Math and less talented in Language Arts, but for the majority of students it seems like it would be tempting to let something slide through the cracks. And I'm talking about high schools, btw. Middle school seems WAY too early.

I'm all for letting children follow their star, but there needs to be guidance right? If I let my oldest follow her own instincts on *everything* it would be cookies for dinner every night. (She is four, fwiw.)

[Anonymous]

yep
I could see my kids taking up residence in art class and never leaving...
I think, at that age, evening classes and summer camp are appropriate outlets for a child's wishes to be heard

[Anonymous]

In general, I don't think 11 is too young to specialize when kids have a clear passion. But I certainly wouldn't push a specialization on them.

Middle school is a horrible time for many, many kids. Finding a way to keep them inspired to learn something and develop their talents at the same time would be a bonus.

Sure, kids should all take biology, and math, and literature. I can't imagine you're looking at schools where they wouldn't. But some kids have specialized passions early, and if there is a way of fostering that passion (and still get the required other classes), I'd be all for it. I'm sure there aren't magnet middle schools for my particular field, but if there had been, I would have been in heaven, even at age 11.

[Anonymous]

Actually, some of the charter schools seem to start specialization that early...and I know MoCo has some specialized middle schools

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In general, I don't think 11 is too young to specialize when kids have a clear passion. But I certainly wouldn't push a specialization on them.

Middle school is a horrible time for many, many kids. Finding a way to keep them inspired to learn something and develop their talents at the same time would be a bonus.

Sure, kids should all take biology, and math, and literature. I can't imagine you're looking at schools where they wouldn't. But some kids have specialized passions early, and if there is a way of fostering that passion (and still get the required other classes), I'd be all for it. I'm sure there aren't magnet middle schools for my particular field, but if there had been, I would have been in heaven, even at age 11.

Really? I find that very interesting and pretty impressive, actually. Do you mind elaborating on what your field is? And/or how that interest would have been reflected or captured at age 11? Not meaning to pry, just genuinely curious.