Darien Schools Keep Gifted Program After Parents Speak Out

The Darien Board of Education has decided to maintain the Idea Program, which focuses on gifted and talented students, for the next school year. The vote was 7-2 in favor, following a meeting where parents, students, and alumni shared their positive experiences with the program. One former student, Maggie Russell, now a university pre-med junior, highlighted how the program helped her pursue unique experiences like working with an archaeologist in East Africa.

A current fifth-grader, Chiara Hu, also praised the program for giving her individual attention and helping her grow academically and personally. The superintendent had proposed cutting 3. 3 full-time equivalent positions to save money, suggesting that students could be served differently through various existing practices. However, the strong support from families convinced the board to retain the program for now.

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