Accelerated courses

Accelerated courses, also known as 'advanced placement,' 'honors,' or 'gifted and talented' programs, are designed to meet the needs of intellectually gifted students. While the curriculum will vary, in general, these courses move faster and cover more advanced topics than regular classes. They may study a subject more in-depth, or take an interdisciplinary approach, showing the relationship between various events in history, English, science and math. They might also include trips to museums, theaters, or historic sites. When accelerated courses are not available, or sometimes as part of an accelerated program, students may attend certain classes in the upper grades. For example, they might take a math class at the junior high, or an English course two grades ahead of their own. Some parents worry that being thrown together with very smart children will put too much pressure on their child, or make them feel inadequate. But rather than being intimidated, gifted children are usually more motivated to excel in the company of other exceptional students. In such surroundings, children no longer feel the need to suppress their own gifts, a tendency that's especially common with girls.