Indeed. I felt like the difference between my well funded public high school (IMSA) was at least 100x that of my old high school, which actually had a lot of c

Indeed. I felt like the difference between my well funded public high school (IMSA) was at least 100x that of my old high school, which actually had a lot of criminal problems (knives/guns found on students and in lockers, drugs everywhere, student violence). It wasn't even about education at that school, it was about safety. And yes, gifted children actually need somewhere to go. I can only imagine what would have happened if the education system supported me rather than held me back. In primary school we did have a very small "gifted" program that was after school, with Apple computers, a little programming even, and learning games. Even later on, the advanced classes were boring, but way ahead of "normal classes." Example: One time we moved schools, the new school didn't get my records, so they put me in all remedial programs without even letting me know. I was literally learning long division by hand in 7th grade, which I already knew. The next year (it took them all year to figure it out and move me up), I was taking algebra in 8th grade. What a waste of a few years.