My kid was rejected from a Selective School and I'm ropable

"All I can think of is my son missing out... They've just plain got it wrong," the Sydney mum exclusively tells Kidspot.

My 13-year-old son is smart.

Not really smart in a worldly way, admittedly, but in the way that matters at school.

He used to get really bored in class until they identified him as a gifted student in Year Two and gave him different work. More challenging activities.

So it made complete sense to me that he apply for a Selective high school when the time came - but he's just been rejected and I'm ropable.

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"What is the point of selective schools if not for kids like mine?"

If you don't know what a Selective School is, this is what it says on the website: 

"Selective high schools are specifically designed to provide optimal learning conditions that will make a difference in supporting the development of academic talent and the wellbeing of high potential and gifted students. "

They do things at a "fast pace" and it adds that "grouping high potential and gifted students together is also good for students’ emotional wellbeing."

That is my kid to a tee, and he is not only worth these opportunities, but he deserves them.

My son has proven he thrives with accelerated learning, and gets bored without it.

He is only friends with the other top students in his class - that's his social peer group. They can meet minds at the same level. They are interested in the same things.

My amazing son is going places. He needs a richer educational environment where he's not afraid to show how smart he is.

What is the point of selective schools if not for kids like mine?

Image: iStock

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"I'm frustrated and angry; my kid deserves better"

Ever since we got the rejection, I'm feeling very stressed in a number of ways.

All I can think of is my son missing out.

He will miss out on being recognised for his giftedness and talents in a class of 30. He won't be challenged. He won't necessarily be nurtured with like-minded students. He won't have teachers who have time to maximise his potential.

Does this mean we should go to a private school where there are more resources and academics are put first, and class sizes are smaller? That's a huge cost decision. 

But then, why should we pay for that when he should be in a free selective school?

They also say that the connections and opportunities presented in selective classes are important for that child's future... so I'm now really concerned about my son missing out on that.

I think a lot of parents can relate to the feeling that their child is being misunderstood, or told they aren't good enough. I feel like I need to fight for him.

I'm not saying that my kid is 'better' than any other kid... I'm just saying I want him to get the chances he deserves.

Originally published as My kid was rejected from a Selective School and I'm ropable