<p>IF you find your son is stuck due to insurmountable scheduling problems, perhaps his boredom can be alleviated by participating in math, science and robotics competitions. My son was an active member of Science Olympiad (the team competition), MathCounts and GPML math team, Knowledge Master, Science Knowledge Bowl and later a NASA financed space simulation program. You don’t have to rely on in-school classes for all intellectual stimulation.</p>
<p>Please note I am not excusing the appalling state of middle school education for the upper end of the aptitude scale. I’m just suggesting ways for a smart kid to survive those years.</p>