Middle School Options for Precocious Child

[momtoone]

Are there any suggestions for private/public middle schools in West Seattle for an academically advanced child– a school where my child would have simialr peers? Please help.

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[WSB]

Denny’s Spectrum program is growing – the first of the two tiers of gifted programs in Seattle Public Schools. However, you need to go through the district testing cycle (verify this with the district) and that’s long past for the coming year. Spectrum has advanced instruction in some course areas but not all. Are you moving here from another area, or — ?

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[momtoone]

We moved into the area last year- she attends a small private school. The teachers/staff are fantastic, the student body not so. I’d like to find a school with more kids (esp. girls) who are advanced academically.

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[Lisa]

Our Daughter is much like yours. We have always looked for schools where she can be academically challenged. She attended Explorer West Middle School. Great school, teachers, programs. They are South-West Seattle, just a few blocks south of Roxbury. Good luck!

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[WSB]

If the private option doesn’t work out, check out Denny for year after next, and get into the SPS testing cycle for this fall. From the Lafayette fifth-grade Spectrum class that “graduated” a year ago, of those continuing on in public school Spectrum, most of the girls went to Denny, most of the boys went to Washington (which is in the Central District and so transportation is an issue; school-bus service is ending after this year). Have no idea how that happened, maybe just a quirk. If your child qualifies for APP, the top-level Seattle Schools gifted program, Washington is the only middle-school option, but she would be qualified for bus service from anywhere in the city.

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[momtoone]

Thank you lowmanbeach and Lisa.

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[Jerald]

Another thought — I think kids who haven’t had the opportunity to officially test into Spectrum, but are obviously capable, might be placed in the more advanced classes anyway. You might inquire at Denny to see if that’s a possibility. Sometimes Math is available as “honors” to all who qualify.

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[Turtle]

Try W.S. Montessori. They are moving to the S.W. for next year. The teachers and program are fantastic. They really care. The children are protected and challenged during some of their socially difficult years.

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[mae]

Our daughter sounds similar to yours. We moved to the area about 1 year ago, and our daughter started 7th grade at Madison Middle School. She was put in a 10th grade math class, and soon found that all subjects were still too easy. Her counselor suggested being promoted to 8th grade, and after much discussion, we decided to move her up. Although you may not be interested in such a large change, the staff at Madison is truly interested in helping your child on a personal and academic level. My daughter had a great experience at Madison, so if I were you, I would look into it! Hope this helped!

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[acemotel]

The APP program in Seattle schools, as a rule of thumb, operates two years ahead of grade level. Spectrum, generally, operates one year ahead. The good thing about this program is that kids can stay with their age level rather than being one year (or maybe more) younger than their classmates. Although academically gifted kids can handle the advanced curriculum, their emotional maturity often may not be so accelerated as to make an easy social transition to skipping grades. IMO. It’s one thing – maybe one of the only things – Seattle schools is doing right, IMO.

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[WSB]

One big challenge with Spectrum (and we speak from experience) … unlike APP, it does not remain “self-contained” for middle school. Some may consider that good and some may consider it not so good. It has social and academic ramifications. – TR

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