@happyone - “do graduates apply to college as freshmen or transfer students?” The answer just depends on what a Gatton graduate wants to do with her/his college credits. As a general rule, the more selective colleges will accept very few of these college credits, if any. They will, however, allow students to take tests to determine placement. On the other hand, in-state Kentucky state schools will accept practically all of the the credit. Both of my sons had accumulated over 100 hours of college credit, none of which their schools accepted. Why did they choose to do that? They are able to take more intensive courses, do research, double-major, and travel abroad at their schools. On the other hand, they have friends who banked their college credits in-state and will be in medical school this fall as 20 year-olds. All the RESIDENTIAL college credit just gives the student many more options and opportunities.
@bookworm - If your child is taking classes at a local college, they may be getting “countable college credit,” but unless the student is in residence, most of the more selective colleges will not view it very favorably. As a matter of fact, scoring a 5 on an AP exam is probably worth more to an Ivy League school than a non-residential college course credit.
@sseamom - You are correct in that it isn’t just about academics, but maturity. Physically the child can be a 15 year-old, but they need to have the academics and responsible maturity of a 18-19 year-old.
@happymomof1- Yes to everything you said.
@atomom - You understand the “bonus” not only of college credit, but RESIDENTIAL college credit. It is a huge benefit. The benefit of the academy is that it seems to have found a “sweet spot” between having the students in the academic mix of older college students, yet the building/dormitory itself is a protected haven with outstanding staff who fill the roles of counselor, mentor, guide, and surrogate parent. It is difficult to describe without serious inquiry/conversation with other Gatton families.
@mathyone - I hear what you are saying. (Actually, there will be 200 students in two years). My only response to your “to what end” question is this: ask other Gatton parents and students. It may not be for your child, but it isn’t just about extra college credits, its about having your child blossom in an environment where “the lid is off learning and exploration!” Keep your options open!
@sseamom - Yes, you get the picture.
@twoinanddone - About the question of your child “having given up so much of high school, including sports.” It is true that your student will have to give up, in some way, their other relationships and activities. Specifically, if your child is a student athlete, he/she will not be able to to compete at the college level, as there are rules against it. They can, however participate in intramural sports. Also, if they are involved with music like band, or orchestra - they can continue to pursue those interests and activities. The question to ask yourself is whether or not your student is interested/talented enough to place their sporting interest over their academic goals. That is something you have to decide. But as for giving up relationships… I think that the overwhelming consensus of Gatton students is that their “Gatton family relationships” are much more meaningful than those they developed from their sending high schools. Also, Gatton still has Winter Formal, Prom, Holiday Parties… plus added bonuses of Weekend Programming, Trips to Greece/England/Costa Rica/China….
@halcyonheather - You sound like a typical Gatton student, desiring to take interesting college-level classes beyond the AP offerings. The benefit of the Gatton Academy is that all your classes are college level AND residential.
@ohiovalley16 - It sounds like you’ve had exposure to Gatton. You bring up a good point about the STEM focus. There is also a “flip side” to that point. Even though it is a STEM Academy, one has to remember that ALL the classes (English, History, Humanities, Social Science) are ALSO college level classes. So, the student really has to be strong in all academic areas in order to succeed. I know that Gatton weighs the entire balance of students’ academic records in the admissions process. It does little good to have excellent STEM grades, counterbalanced with C’s and D’s in other coursework. And just to correct the record, the academy has always been co-ed.
@sseamom - I agree again. It depends on your child.
@ninjadad - We’ve been there and done that, haven’t we? Please correct me or add to any of my comments.
@ohiovalley - It has always been co-ed. They will be expanding to 100 boys and 100 girls over the next 2 years.
@LOUKYDAD - We’ve been there friend. I’ll respond to you, just like I have with others concerned about letting your child leave 2 years early. My response is this: “You are going to have to leave your child at some point (probably 2 years). Your child has already (probably) shown that he is a fast learner, right? It isn’t doing him any additional good to be held back for 2 years at home, is it? Even though you and mother WILL miss him, you will know that he is blossoming into a young man which would not have been possible without your LETTING HIM GO.” I’d encourage you to keep inquiring, and give the application process a chance. Your son deserves it.
@compmom - I think I’ve addressed most of your questions already. But let me just give you the list of colleges where the Gatton class of 2015 matriculated. In the fall of 2015, students from the graduating class will attend 30 colleges and universities across the United States: Carnegie Mellon University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Duke University, Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northeastern University, Princeton University, Reed College, Rice University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Stanford University, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Thomas More College, Tulane University, Union College, University of Chicago, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, University of Notre Dame, University of Pennsylvania, University of Rochester, University of Southern California, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Vanderbilt University, Washington University in St. Louis, Western Kentucky University and Western Washington University. Four-year scholarships totaling more than $15.6 million were offered to the graduating class with approximately $4 million in scholarships accepted.
@Knoxpatch - Good to hear about your experience!
Finally, check out the Academy’s Facebook Page, at: https://www.facebook.com/gattonacademy?fref=ts
I hope all this is genuinely helpful!