Gifted math programs/classes for middle schoolers in NYC

[John Kurtz]

Hi

Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions for gifted middle school
math students in New York?

We have an incoming student who seems to be two years ahead of grade
level in math. Our principal and our high school math chair are very
leery of putting a 6th grader into an 8th grade class. It has been
their experience that this backfires down the road, and it also
doesn't work in our convoluted schedule.

Instead of putting him into 8th grade math class, which is what the
family wants, we have proposed giving the child an independent study
program for a year in which he would study other math topics not in
the regular sequence. The family doesn't like this idea because they
want him a classroom rather than off by himself. We've tossed around
a few other compromises to try to come up with something that will
make everyone happy and still work within our framework but haven't
hit the right mix.

Are there any math programs for kids around this age that are not
just on-line, but actually meet in person? Do any of your schools
deal with anything like this? Any other ideas?

Thanks,

John