If your child is exceptionally bright, is the local public school doing enough to keep her engaged? While parent involvement is important and any education can be supplemented at home, many parents want to learn more about schools for gifted students. This type of education comes with a number of benefits over a regular public school, but do you know what they are?
Teachers In Gifted Schools Know How To Help Smart Kids Learn
Teaching smart students has its own set of challenges and teachers who work in a school that caters to these kids will know how to help them learn. Exceptional students have a deeper thirst for knowledge and it takes a special kind of teacher to help them grow. Additionally, these teachers will know how to plan classes that enrich the original lessons. Exceptionally smart children will oftentimes grasp the key points of a lesson quickly (which means they can actually become bored and disruptive throughout the class) and teachers who work with them will know how to best keep their attention through special supplemental lessons and more.
Schools For Gifted Students Often Have Smaller Class Sizes
Another big benefit of this type of environment is that the classes are often smaller. A public school's classrooms can easily have 30 or more children, especially in this day of budget cuts. But what do smaller class sizes mean for students? Numerous studies have shown that kids learn better in a small setting. Many larger classes in a public school realize this, which is why teachers in these classrooms often try to break their students up into small groups. Smaller class sizes also allow pupils to directly interact more with the teacher. If you're interested in finding schools for gifted students, ask how big the average class is before enrolling your child.
Gifted Schools Offer More Options For Advanced Classes
Another advantage of these gifted schools is that they oftentimes offer more advanced classes for pupils. A regular public school will likely have a handful of advanced classes for each grade level, but what happens if your child finishes them? They'll either have to sit bored while the others catch up or have a makeshift curriculum. On the contrary, schools for gifted students will have classes that are specially designed to meet the needs of exceptional pupils. Parents won't have to worry that their kids are getting bored in school because they'll be busy and engaged in their advanced classes.
Many Gifted Schools Are Flexible
What if your second grader is reading at a sixth grade level? Some teachers might be tempted to just give her a sixth grade level book, but this might not be the best option. A younger student may be able to read and understand a more advanced book, but this doesn't mean that the book will be appropriate for the younger child. A school with experience in working with exceptional children will know how to find a book that's both age and reading-level appropriate so that your young student isn't introduced to themes that are too mature.
Keeping your exceptional kids engaged throughout the school day can be easier if they're going to an educational institution that is just for them. Whether they're outstanding in all areas or they're exceptionally talented in just one area, these educational institutions might be the place for your children.
The Chicago Area Independent Gifted School Network is a network of gifted schools in Illinois. Interested parents can browse information about Chicago gifted schools in one easy-to-navigate site. To learn more about these schools for gifted students, visit their website.
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