Difficulty finding the right educational fit is a common reason families choose home education for their children. Sometimes traditional environments, even with enrichment programs, are not sufficient for some learners and may not be considered true “gifted” programs. Public schools do not receive additional funding so any programs and policies are up to each district.
As homeschoolers, you are free to adjust your children’s learning to their ability without being limited to the usual age-based grade levels. You can also modify curriculum as needed. There are many programs that advanced students can utilize including dual-enrollment, AP classes, CLEP courses, and other private programs that are listed below and on our High School & Beyond page.
If a child wishes to participate in programs available through the district, online, or private organizations, they usually must satisfy enrollment qualifications. This may include formal testing such as the SAT-1 , ACT, PSAT 8/9, School and College Ability Test (SCAT), and common IQ tests such as the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI), Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC IV), and Woodcock Johnson Test. We have a list of Developmental Testing & Counseling Services available in NH with some in neighboring states. Hoagies’ Gifted has solid information about G/T testing.
Children can have learning, emotional, behavioral or social disabilities in addition to giftedness. This is referred to as “twice exceptional” or “2e.” The disabilities can vary — dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, processing disorders, autism, Asperger syndrome, sensory sensitivities, and others. These children can be more difficult to identify because their gifts can mask learning challenges. The asynchronistic development of various skills and abilities is usually an indication of 2e.
Below are a variety of resources available to G/T children, not just homeschoolers. This is not an endorsement or recommendation of any particular organization or service. There is an extensive list of resources on Open Education Database.
Gifted Homeschoolers Forum (GHF)
Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY)
Mathematical Association of America (MAA) competitions – AMC 8, AMC 10, and AMC 12
Mensa for Kids’ TED Connections
National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)
NH Association for Gifted Education (NHAGE)
Raising Lifelong Learners: the Ultimate Guide
Stanford Online High School (OHS)
Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG)
University of NH – Challenging Academically Talented Students (CATS)