Posted by Parent, a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood, on Mar 25, 2007 at 10:37 am

This sounds like the typical start to the Palo Alto problem. When we get into middle and high school the high achievers are all having private tutors to keep them ahead of their class. This then becomes the norm and normal kids who are depending on their teachers to teach them the actual actually perceive themselves to be behind or dumb, and their teachers consider them slow.

Lillian, I believe you are truly considering your child at present. But, as someone who has seen this happen so many times, do you child a favor and let them be a kid while they can. Get them into soccer, or baseball, or swimming, or dance, or gymnastics, or whatever it is they want to do and let the academics fall into place as and when they can. You will be surprised how the schools do help bright children without the need of extra tutors in middle and high schools. You will get in return a well rounded, happier child, with friends and interests. You may also get more trips to the doctor and extra loads of laundry and possibly spending some of your time watching you kids play or perform, but believe me, it is worth it. They are young for such a short time and a happy childhood doing some of the things they want to do makes for a much happier adolescent which makes for a much happier young adult!! (Iwould put in a smiley face here if I knew how to do it).