At its meeting last week, the Board of Education heard a presentation about Quest, the school district’s enrichment program for elementary and middle school students. In particular, the board heard discussion about whether eligibility into the program should continue to be based on test scores, or whether it should be open to all children.

We hope the Board considers whether the program will be negatively impacted if the criteria for admission are changed. One of the exciting things about educational programs for gifted children is that when very bright children are segregated, they tend to encourage each other’s natural abilities. Instead of having to wait for others to catch up, the gifted children can forge ahead and really enjoy the subject material.

This school district rewards children with natural athletic ability by offering excellent teams; it rewards children with musical ability with top-notch programs. Why not continue to reward the very brightest, highest scoring children, with enrichment classes in which they can shine too?