<p>My two S’s have attended public schools for highly capable kids since grade 1. I am a big advocate. It was not until nearly middle school age that they realized there was a difference between their school and other schools. They got to be athletes, elected to school counsels, be popular etc., with little or no distinction based on smartness, all the kids were smart, it was just a given. There was no bullying, teasing, or discounting. When they got to more mixed middle and high school environments, they easily fit in because they did not consider themselves, nor carry themselves (as described in the article) as nerds. I have seen this repeated time and again for others as well as my own kids. One can be smart without being considered a nerd, if the environment will support it.</p>