Every child needs structure, such as bedtime reinforcement and a vegetable-eating policy. When it comes to learning, however, sometimes too much adult intervention can be stifling.
This Op-Ed piece from the New York Times points to a case study in which a small group of high school students took charge of their own curriculum and it yielded advantageous results.
Do you feel that your child would benefit from a less "structured" setting and would enjoy creating and working through his/her own curriculum? Mentorships are one option. Online learning can be another. Consider CTD's Gifted LearningLinks program, which features an Independent Study opportunity. This format allows a curious gifted child to explore an in-depth project at his/her own pace with guided instruction.
What do you think about the "plan your own school" approach? Would you enroll your child in a similar program?