In the Chicago Public School system there is a seperate system of selective enrollment (GEAP) for the gifted and classical schools. Any child in the city can be tested (for free) for enrollment to these schools. There is a difference between bright children and gifted children and the way they learn. You might want to research the differences to help you determine what is best for your child. My daughter is enrolled at the Edison Regional Gifted Center in Chicago. I had her tested because at the age of 2 she could verbally describe subtle differences in colors ( the difference between grey and silver)and was drawing pictures in perspective( could draw a picture of two shoes both in different positions with the openings as ovals in proper relation to the rest of the shoe). She couldn't read but she was relating abstract concepts which were far beyond her years which were never taught to her. I don't know the exact process they used when testing her for school. Her gifted school is a stand alone meaning that all the kids there are all gifted learners. they are all working at 1-2 grade levels above standard in all subjects and are challenged but no.one is moved ahead of their peers for social reasons. All the kids have different strengths. My daughter is weak in math but strong in music and art, things that aren't usually stressed in school. I am glad they were able to see her strengths in the admission testing. You should make it a priority to keep your child challenged in their advanced subjects. My child is thriving in this stand alone gifted program. Everyone is gifted so they are not different, wierd or nerds which are the way they are sometimes labled when seen as standing out from the rest of the kids in any way. Good luck and know that there are tons of resources for families of gifted kids.