Gifted children often stand out academically, but finding the right environment to nurture their potential can be challenging.
For families in Richmond, Delta and beyond, Choice School for Gifted Children offers a specialized education that recognizes and supports the unique needs of gifted learners.
Through personalized instruction, small class sizes, and a focus on both academic and emotional development, Choice School in East Richmond provides an environment where gifted students can truly thrive.
A school designed for gifted learners
At Choice School, the focus is not just on academics but on creating an environment where gifted children can grow holistically. Gifted students are those who often perform at a higher academic level than their peers. However, they may still face challenges in their social and emotional development.
“Academically, these kids are beyond their age level, but socially and emotionally, they are at the same level as their peers. This disparity can cause anxiety, and that’s where our school comes in,” Choice School for Gifted Children principal Sukhbir Bolina says.
Choice School is designed to meet the specific needs of these students, offering smaller class sizes and individualized attention. With an average of only eight to nine students per class, teachers and educational assistants can provide the focused support these students need.
In addition to classroom teachers, the school has specialists, including occupational therapists and behavioral consultants, who work to ensure that the social and emotional needs of students are addressed alongside their academic growth.
Why gifted students need specialized attention
In a typical public school classroom, gifted students can sometimes be overlooked.
“In a class of 30, the teacher often has to focus on the majority of students, leaving the gifted child bored and under-stimulated,” Bolina says.
“Gifted children need continuous intellectual stimulation — they’re always hungry for knowledge.”
At Choice School, the curriculum is designed to go beyond standard academics. Students are encouraged to explore their passions, whether that means diving deep into advanced topics in science and math or engaging in creative projects like calligraphy, robotics or music.
“These kids don’t just want to watch TV — they want to open an encyclopedia and learn more,” Bolina says.
The school’s environment fosters this kind of curiosity, allowing students to explore their interests at their own pace.
Holistic development for twice-exceptional learners
Choice School also recognizes the unique challenges faced by “twice-exceptional” students, those who are both gifted and have additional learning difficulties or disabilities.
“These students need even more specialized support,” Bolina says.
“Our faculty is trained in accommodating both their advanced intellectual abilities and their learning challenges.”
With small class sizes and individualized learning plans, students are given the attention they need to succeed in all areas of their development. The school provides a well-rounded education that addresses both cognitive and emotional growth.
Unlocking the potential of gifted students
Bolina emphasizes the importance of nurturing gifted students’ potential.
“Gifted children need to be allowed to grow,” Bolina says. “Our focus is on providing the support and stimulation they need to reach their full potential, both academically and emotionally.”
By offering a tailored education in small, supportive classrooms, Choice School ensures that each gifted child has the opportunity to flourish.
For more information, visit choiceschool.org
