HeyThere!Four Questions to Ponder When Sending Your Kid to Grammar School
- Written by Lisa Frieda Cossham**
- ≈ 4 Min Read
Choosing between Gymnasium and Realschule: The significant factors in shifting schools for a child's education - Children's transitions between schools: Key factors influencing their adaptation and success.
In today's world, more parents are enrolling their children in grammar schools, often viewing them as breeding grounds for intelligence and talent. The truth, however, is that just two out of every hundred kids are genuinely highly gifted. It's crucial to equip your child for future success given the ever-evolving demands of careers. Here's what you should ask yourself before sending your kid to grammar school.
What's Grammar School Got to Do With It?
Hey, Intelligence!
- True Gifted versus School-Labeled Gifted: About 1% to 3% of the population can be classified as profoundly gifted, with another 3% to 5% being considered gifted[1]. However, determining the exact number of genuinely gifted children in grammar schools can be challenging due to variations in definitions and assessments of giftedness.
What Sets Successful Students Apart?
- Early Identification & Support: Spotting giftedness early allows for customized learning experiences that boosts their chances of success.
- Specialized Education: Schools offering specialized programs for gifted students create an environment conducive to intellectual growth and connecting with like-minded peers.
- Parental & Community Support: Families and communities can greatly influence gifted students by encouraging them to pursue challenging academics and extracurricular activities.
- Resources: Availability of educational resources like advanced curriculums, technology, and mentorship programs can greatly impact gifted students' academic growth.
- Mental Health & Emotional Support: Addressing emotional challenges uniquely faced by gifted students and providing mental health support is vital for their long-term success.
- Social & Intellectual Engagement: Engaging in social interactions, such as through organizations like Mensa, can help gifted students develop social skills and a sense of belonging.
What's Success After High School Look Like?
- Academic Milestones: Gifted students often outperform academically, securing them opportunities in elite schools and universities.
- Career Prospects: Their advanced education and special skills can mold paths to high-achieving careers.
- Personal Fulfillment: Success for gifted individuals can also be measured by personal happiness and contribution to society.
In conclusion, while the number of truly gifted children might be hard to estimate, early identification, specialized education, supportive environments, and resources all facilitate success in high school and beyond.
- In the context of sending a child to grammar school, it is essential to consider the differences between true gifted and school-labeled gifted children, as just 1% to 3% of the population can be considered profoundly gifted.
- Equipping a child for future success requires focusing on education-and-self-development aspects such as early identification and support, specialized education, parental and community support, resources, mental health and emotional support, social and intellectual engagement, which can all contribute to learning and success after high school.
