Questions About Educating Gifted Students 

I think my child is gifted. What information or resources do you recommend?

There are many resources related to gifted education. Please see our list of recommended resources.

How do I pick a school for my gifted child?

This depends on where you live, the cost of tuition, and how much you want the school to do compared to your family's role. You should take into account your child's academic ability, the overall academic range of the school, as well as the flexibility of their instructional program. You should educate yourself on giftedness and school choices, and always visit the schools you are considering.

How do gifted children develop socially?

Gifted children have better social adjustment in classes with children like themselves. The brighter the child, the lower the child's social self-concept in regular classrooms. Social self-concept immediately improves when children are placed with true peers in special classes.

How do boys and girls differ as gifted students?

Gifted girls and boys have different coping mechanisms and are likely to face different problems. Gifted girls often learn to hide their abilities and learn to blend in with other children. In elementary school, they often direct their mental energies into developing social relationships; in junior high school, they are generally valued for their appearance and sociability rather than their intelligence. Gifted boys are often considered "immature" and may be held back in school if they cannot socialize with children their own age with whom they have little or no common interests.

What are some of the personality traits of gifted children?

Perfectionism, sensitivity, and intensity are three personality traits associated with giftedness. They are derived from the complexity of the child's cognitive and emotional development. According to Dabrowski's theory, those traits are indicative of potential for high moral values in adult life. The brighter the child, the earlier and more profound is his or her own concern with moral issues.

Is giftedness hereditary?

Brothers and sisters are usually within 5 to 10 points in ability. Parents'/grandparents' IQ scores, when known, are usually within 10 points of their children's/grandchildren's.