Dear Ciggar,

I think you have three possible options.  The first would be to ask to meet with your current school and inform them of the current situation.  All schools are required to support students of varying abilities within each grade and class, but it may be that the current school does not appreciate how disinterested your son is in the curriculum at present.

Another is to place him in a school that is able to support him as a Gifted and Talented student – I would suggest Dubai American Academy, Bradenton Prep Academy or Collegiate American School in Dubai all of which have established support for students with additional needs.   In Abu Dhabi, the American Community School, American International School and GEMS American Academy will offer the same provision.

Depending on how strongly you feel that your son  needs to be in mainstream school from a socialisation standpoint, you may also want to consider the option of home-schooling him.  This does not need to be literally based in your home! I-cademy in Dubai Knowledge Village tutors students online in the American curriculum and offers the option of either studying from home or  in a “school-based” environment.  This type of study would enable your son to progress at his own (accelerated) pace.  Please check out www.icademymiddleeast.com.

The rules and regulations of the education authorities in the UAE do not permit students to be advanced beyond the age appropriate grade, so he will need to remain in the current grade if he continues in school.  I would hope that your son’s current school would be able to find a suitable solution to support him – it is a requirement of the UAE authorities that all schools now place more focus on and support for students with additional learning needs and they are measured on this as part of the inspection process.

Good Luck – I hope you find a solution.