Anonymous
07/29/2021 22:18
Subject: Re:Best Schools for 2e?
Anonymous wrote:OP: Thanks all, this is super helpful and good to know about MoCo! My DC is actually gifted in verbal skills but does like math and science as well. They would like a place that does project-based learning and deep dives on things like history, literature, science, etc.
Eastern Middle School is a good fit for the kind of kid you describe. Prior to that, I would apply to an MCPS elementary magnet - called CES now.
Anonymous
07/29/2021 16:00
Subject: Re:Best Schools for 2e?
Anonymous wrote:OP: Thanks all, this is super helpful and good to know about MoCo! My DC is actually gifted in verbal skills but does like math and science as well. They would like a place that does project-based learning and deep dives on things like history, literature, science, etc.
15:26 MoCo poster again. My 2e son likes the same thing as yours. Please keep in mind that public schools don't do "deep dives" before AP level classes, apart from magnets, and those deep dives may not always be exactly in the areas that interest your child. My daughter was in an elementary magnet and she did have way more interesting and creative projects than my son did in a regular or GT/LD school. My son is now in high school and revels in all the History AP classes that were missing from his life all these years
Prior to this, he read everything he could lay his hands on in his areas of interest, and we went to all his favorite museums and exhibitions so often he could recite some labels by heart. My earlier point was that at least the GT/LD schools understand and pay attention to that category of student, which can make all the difference to their school experience. If you want a more interesting curriculum than the general public school one, you must set your sights on magnet schools, or, in your son's case, excellent privates, which, depending on his level of need, may be able to accommodate him. Private schools typically aren't as strong in STEM, but are stronger in writing and humanities in general, so he might thrive in one that understands his needs.
Anonymous
07/29/2021 15:33
Subject: Best Schools for 2e?
Not Fairfax County. Some pyramids prevent kids with IEPs or who need extra support being in honors classes.
Anonymous
07/29/2021 13:27
Subject: Re:Best Schools for 2e?
OP: Thanks all, this is super helpful and good to know about MoCo! My DC is actually gifted in verbal skills but does like math and science as well. They would like a place that does project-based learning and deep dives on things like history, literature, science, etc.
Anonymous
07/28/2021 02:59
Subject: Best Schools for 2e?
There are some 2e schools around the country. Some that come to mind are Quad Prep (NY), FlexSchool (NJ), and Bridges Academy (CA). There are a few educational consultants that specialize in 2e around the country. One is named Heidi Molbak. Check out the IECA website for her contact information.
Anonymous
07/27/2021 18:10
Subject: Best Schools for 2e?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:GT in elementary school usually means math acceleration around here. For a child who is 2e, I would look for a school that has the supports he needs to succeed in school rather than demanding math classes.
I do not agree with this. Each child is different and that would not work for many 2E students. I have seen many gifted (2E and NT) get into trouble in the classroom when the class is too easy. Having a challenging class in the area of the students strength also helps their self esteem.
This is the classic excuse: my kid’s executive functioning sucks (and he cannot behave/function in the classroom) because he is so smart and bored by the material.
How old is your 2E child?
Anonymous
07/27/2021 17:35
Subject: Best Schools for 2e?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:GT in elementary school usually means math acceleration around here. For a child who is 2e, I would look for a school that has the supports he needs to succeed in school rather than demanding math classes.
I do not agree with this. Each child is different and that would not work for many 2E students. I have seen many gifted (2E and NT) get into trouble in the classroom when the class is too easy. Having a challenging class in the area of the students strength also helps their self esteem.
This is the classic excuse: my kid’s executive functioning sucks (and he cannot behave/function in the classroom) because he is so smart and bored by the material.
It also helps with their self esteem when they are in classes where they can show their strengths instead of always being in a remedial setting for their deficits.
Anonymous
07/27/2021 17:34
Subject: Best Schools for 2e?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:GT in elementary school usually means math acceleration around here. For a child who is 2e, I would look for a school that has the supports he needs to succeed in school rather than demanding math classes.
I do not agree with this. Each child is different and that would not work for many 2E students. I have seen many gifted (2E and NT) get into trouble in the classroom when the class is too easy. Having a challenging class in the area of the students strength also helps their self esteem.
This is the classic excuse: my kid’s executive functioning sucks (and he cannot behave/function in the classroom) because he is so smart and bored by the material.
I have seen it happen. Kids start doing different things and become a distraction in the class. They need more challenging things to stay engaged. It is often times kids without EF issues.
Anonymous
07/27/2021 16:35
Subject: Best Schools for 2e?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:GT in elementary school usually means math acceleration around here. For a child who is 2e, I would look for a school that has the supports he needs to succeed in school rather than demanding math classes.
I do not agree with this. Each child is different and that would not work for many 2E students. I have seen many gifted (2E and NT) get into trouble in the classroom when the class is too easy. Having a challenging class in the area of the students strength also helps their self esteem.
This is the classic excuse: my kid’s executive functioning sucks (and he cannot behave/function in the classroom) because he is so smart and bored by the material.
Anonymous
07/27/2021 16:12
Subject: Best Schools for 2e?
Anonymous wrote:GT in elementary school usually means math acceleration around here. For a child who is 2e, I would look for a school that has the supports he needs to succeed in school rather than demanding math classes.
I do not agree with this. Each child is different and that would not work for many 2E students. I have seen many gifted (2E and NT) get into trouble in the classroom when the class is too easy. Having a challenging class in the area of the students strength also helps their self esteem.
Anonymous
07/27/2021 15:50
Subject: Best Schools for 2e?
GT in elementary school usually means math acceleration around here. For a child who is 2e, I would look for a school that has the supports he needs to succeed in school rather than demanding math classes.
Anonymous
07/27/2021 15:48
Subject: Re:Best Schools for 2e?
What are his strengths? For example, my 2E DC has a strength in math and science so we made sure he was at a school that would support that. It is through their strengths that 2E students succeed.
Anonymous
07/27/2021 15:29
Subject: Best Schools for 2e?
Anonymous wrote:
I can only speak to Montgomery County public schools: either an MCPS magnet, or the MCPS GT/LD program (gifted, talented and learning disabled), which allows children to access the general/enriched/advanced curriculum with teachers who have experience with such children. The difference between the two is that magnet classes have their own curriculum that is more advanced and in-depth than the general MCPS curriculum, and the GT/LD program has the better-informed teachers regarding special needs.
To my knowledge, MCPS is the only public school system in the nation that has a GT/LD program. The elementary one at Barnsley ES has been criticized on these boards because of some unfortunate hiring choices, which I believe may have been resolved now (I hope other posters will chime in), and general budget restrictions in many areas, including services for children with special needs. But it's so much better than nothing!
MCPS magnets are excellent in their respective magnet subjects, STEM or Humanities - apparently they haven't yet understood that students may want both. The issue is that they have not expanded seating to follow the demographic explosion, so they're extremely selective, and not entirely based on academics. There is a geographic (read:socio-economic) component to the selection, which has been the topic of much controversy and perceived unfairness.
My child has the same profile as yours, and spent his elementary years at Bethesda ES in MCPS, which has a good reputation for catering to special needs students. He then went to the GT/LD program for middle and high school. The extra attention and understanding was crucial to his academic and psychological well-being.
It’s understood that some kids want both. Both at the middle school level, at least, the coursework is so intense that only 1 or 2 students could handle 5-6 magnet classes rather than three. By HS, there are more options.
Anonymous
07/27/2021 15:26
Subject: Best Schools for 2e?
I can only speak to Montgomery County public schools: either an MCPS magnet, or the MCPS GT/LD program (gifted, talented and learning disabled), which allows children to access the general/enriched/advanced curriculum with teachers who have experience with such children. The difference between the two is that magnet classes have their own curriculum that is more advanced and in-depth than the general MCPS curriculum, and the GT/LD program has the better-informed teachers regarding special needs.
To my knowledge, MCPS is the only public school system in the nation that has a GT/LD program. The elementary one at Barnsley ES has been criticized on these boards because of some unfortunate hiring choices, which I believe may have been resolved now (I hope other posters will chime in), and general budget restrictions in many areas, including services for children with special needs. But it's so much better than nothing!
MCPS magnets are excellent in their respective magnet subjects, STEM or Humanities - apparently they haven't yet understood that students may want both. The issue is that they have not expanded seating to follow the demographic explosion, so they're extremely selective, and not entirely based on academics. There is a geographic (read:socio-economic) component to the selection, which has been the topic of much controversy and perceived unfairness.
My child has the same profile as yours, and spent his elementary years at Bethesda ES in MCPS, which has a good reputation for catering to special needs students. He then went to the GT/LD program for middle and high school. The extra attention and understanding was crucial to his academic and psychological well-being.
Anonymous
07/27/2021 15:14
Subject: Best Schools for 2e?
My DC (7) was recently diagnosed as twice-exceptional (gifted and ADHD/slow processing). I know that school will continue to be a challenge and want to prioritize their education. What are the best schools -- public or private -- that you know of for this profile? We aren't tied down to the DC metro area and could move anywhere on the mid-Atlantic to Northern East Coast. We would only be able to afford private with a lot of financial aid but are open to looking. Thank you!!