If your child is ahead of their peers, looking for ways to challenge them and increase their potential is important for their success. Both GATE programs and gifted schools offer ways to motivate and challenge your child.
Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Programs
GATE stands for “gifted and talented education.” The program is offered at regular public elementary and middle schools. Children are typically selected for the program based on an aptitude test. There are several formats that GATE programs follow.
In some formats, children stay in the same classroom with their peers but are given supplemental materials and homework to challenge them. In other schools, students in the GATE program are pulled out of math and reading classes to attend a GATE class.
The students then receive more challenging work and lessons in math or reading before returning to their class. In cluster grouping, students are put into a separate class in clusters of four to six children and taught by a teacher apart from their other peers. The format that a specific GATE program follows depends on the school district’s philosophy and funding.
Gifted Schools
Gifted schools are typically private or charter schools. In a gifted school, students are taught at their individual level to allow each to thrive and meet their potential. Teachers are often allowed to use different methods to teach, such as student-led learning, faster-paced classes, and in-depth projects that allow children to explore and learn as they would like.
Because the entire school has gifted children enrolled, gifted children don’t feel bored when sitting in class because everyone moves at a faster pace. Additionally, some children in GATE programs may feel teased or bullied when leaving class. This is less likely to happen in a gifted school where everyone is excelling. Because many gifted schools are private, however, parents need to help pay for their child’s education or seek private funding.
Helping your child succeed and reach their full potential during their school years is one of the most gratifying things that a parent can do. Deciding if a GATE program or gifted school is best for your child can help them to learn and grow at their own level.