As part of IEA’s Finding the Right Fit: Choosing a High School as a Gifted Student series, IEA students share how they discovered their best fit high school, what they learned along the way, and the advice they believe families would like to know.
From public and private schools to magnet programs, boarding schools, and more, each gifted learner’s path looks different. Through their reflections, our students offer guidance and encouragement for families exploring high school options.
JohannaKate – Early Entrance Program
Name of School: Early Entrance Program at California State University Los Angeles
IEA Program: Yunasa
Homestate: CA
Did you consider any other high schools seriously? If so, which ones?
Attended Alhambra High School and Alverno Heights Academy
What type of support and learning environment were you looking for when choosing a high school?
Despite attending two of them, highschool did not provide the kind of support or learning environment I needed. The Early Entrance Program at California State University Los Angeles provided a pathway to attend college as a regular student and be surrounded by a cohort of kids around my age.
What were your top 3 reasons for choosing your school?
- Challenged me academically
- Would be around other people like me
- Location
Tell us about a proud or memorable moment you’ve had at this school.
Most memorable moment was someone’s day old protein shake exploding in the kitchen of our lounge. It always reminds me that we were still kids being stupid despite our intelligence.
How has this school supported your needs as a gifted student?
The EEP program allowed me to socialize while being academically challenged. Events such as our annual spring formal or having a year book insured we didn’t “miss out” on typical highschool activities.
Are there any ways you wish your school could better support you? If you’ve looked for help elsewhere, what programs or services have you found helpful?
I wish more gifted students had access to programs that balanced the multi faceted educational requirements of gifted students while allowing them to be surrounded by peers, both gifted and otherwise.
Do you have any tips or advice for gifted 8th graders who are deciding where to go to high school?
Sometimes it’s okay to choose a school based on how cool the library is.
Do you have any tips to share with incoming 9th graders to help them start the year off right?
Be yourself! Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Is there anything else you’d like to add that we haven’t asked about?
Nobody’s path is linear. Never feel bad about needing to slow down or take a break. Sometimes that is just as important as challenging yourself. Do what is best for you at this current moment.
This story is part of IEA’s Finding the Right Fit: Choosing a High School as a Gifted Student series on finding the right high school. By sharing their experiences, our students hope to support other gifted students and families on the same journey.
