It is now understood that intellectual giftedness, often referred to as the HPI (high potential intellectual) profile, does not automatically guarantee academic success. In fact, the traditional school system frequently falls short for gifted children, as it often fails to nurture their unique potential. Given that these children have specific educational needs, their schooling often requires adjustments. Possible solutions include grade skipping, combined-grade classes, homeschooling, or attending specialized schools, all tailored to each child’s individual profile. The essential goal is to create a supportive environment that fosters their well-being and success.
What is a gifted child?
A child is considered intellectually gifted when their cognitive abilities surpass those of their peers. This giftedness, commonly referred to as “high potential,” is typically assessed using intelligence quotient (IQ) tests such as the WPPSI-IV for children aged 2 to 7.5 years and the WISC-V for those aged 6 to 17. A child is classified as gifted when their IQ score exceeds 125 on these assessments. However, intellectual precocity goes beyond just IQ; it also presents through specific personality traits, including:
- Intellectual curiosity
- An extensive vocabulary
- A sense of humor
- A well-developed moral sense
- Hypersensitivity
- More intuitive than deductive reasoning
- Perfectionism and fear of failure
- Dyssynchrony (a mismatch between intellectual, emotional, and psychomotor development)
The unique personality traits and differences of gifted children can create challenges, such as anxiety, difficulties with integration, feelings of loneliness and rejection, psychological distress, and a negative self-image. Additionally, when their intellectual curiosity isn’t nurtured, these children often experience boredom. Finally, the teaching methods and assessment techniques commonly used in schools are often mismatched with the reasoning styles of gifted children, leading to the risk of academic failure.
The different options for educating a gifted child: advantages and disadvantages
Traditional school: advantages and disadvantages
Some gifted children can successfully adapt to traditional schools, especially when measures are taken to keep them engaged and prevent boredom. For instance, they might benefit from options like combined-grade classes or skipping a grade, which can provide the intellectual stimulation they need. However, these adjustments often fail to fully address the broader needs of gifted children.
Challenges with adaptation can continue and may even worsen due to the age gap created by skipping a grade. This situation can further highlight the developmental dyssynchrony that is common among gifted children, negatively impacting their self-esteem. Moreover, traditional schools rarely implement tailored teaching strategies for gifted students, often due to insufficient staff training and large class sizes. This means that opportunities for more flexible expression and enriched learning experiences are often lacking.
School for gifted children: advantages and disadvantages
Schools for gifted children offer a tailored educational approach that addresses their unique needs and intellectual characteristics. However, one major drawback is their limited availability; many areas in France lack institutions that provide specialized programs for gifted students.
In Paris, the Galilée School serves families in Île-de-France by offering a nurturing environment for gifted children. This private, secular international school, located in the 16th arrondissement, features a bilingual curriculum starting in preschool and provides a customized educational experience that matches each child’s learning pace. The curriculum is designed to meet the varied needs of gifted students effectively.
Homeschooling: advantages and disadvantages
Homeschooling is a solution that can nurture the abilities of gifted children, providing a tailored learning environment when no specialized school is available in the family’s area. However, this option requires the availability and commitment of at least one parent or the trust in a designated instructor for the child. This level of organization isn’t feasible for all families.
Additionally, homeschooling has become more challenging in France due to the decree issued on February 15, 2022, which ended the previous declaration system. Now, homeschooling requires approval from the director of academic services, with requests needing to be supported by specific reasons and detailed documentation.
How to choose the best option for a gifted child?
Academic success or failure is not predetermined for gifted children. While they may share certain personality traits, each gifted child is unique, and so are their needs. Choosing the best educational approach involves considering several factors related to the child’s psychological and intellectual functioning, as well as the available options to meet those needs. These options may include traditional schooling, the feasibility of homeschooling, or the proximity of a school tailored for gifted students.
IQ tests and psychological evaluations can provide valuable insights into the child’s profile and specific needs. They can also support applications for homeschooling authorization or enrollment in a specialized school, if necessary.
Meeting with the teachers and academic counselors at the child’s school can sometimes lead to more appropriate support solutions. While traditional public and private school teachers are rarely trained to identify gifted profiles, they can implement more suitable teaching techniques when made aware of the child’s unique needs. These might include increased stimulation, positive reinforcement, personalized exercises, and opportunities to participate in inter-grade workshops.
Of course, the preferences of the child and their family should be central to this consideration.
In summary
Gifted children often encounter difficulties in school, which can be social—such as feelings of isolation or the painful experience of being different—or academic, leading some to struggle with failure. There are solutions available that can meet the specific needs of gifted students, helping them to realize their potential and develop their personalities.It’s important to consider all options to find the best fit for each child’s individual requirements. These needs can evolve over time, so flexibility in the educational approach is essential. Regularly monitoring a child’s development allows for necessary adjustments in their schooling and may even lead to a complete reassessment of their educational path.