Special Schools and Other Options for Gifted STEM Students

Special schools focused on the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines are one of the best options for gifted students with talent and interest in these areas. Such schools offer benefits, such as unique opportunities for research and mentoring, that other options cannot. In this article, I compare the advantages and disadvantages of special STEM schools in comparison to other options such as summer programs, distance learning, mentorships, and others, as well as discuss the characteristics of students for whom each option is most appropriate. Alternatives to STEM schools, including piecing together summer program, distance-learning programs, and other options, are also discussed and evaluated.