The inside scoop from a participating family ...
I definitely think students and parents can benefit from the program. It will require work outside of regular school work but can also be beneficial to those students who need to stay challenged. We haven't completely maximized the benefits but took advantage of those that work best for us at the time. It has been our experience that the parents have to make sure their child gets involved in the resources/classes offered. Duke TIP sends information via email as well as a magazine with upcoming events/classes/bookclub info/summer camps. The cost for the weekend classes are typically $100+. There financial aid available for those who qualify. We found that the child's involvement and success in the program is heavily dependent upon the parents getting them involved.
Bookclub
A new book is introduced every couple of months. We have made sure our child reads the book club book of the month. The book changes every few months as opposed to every month. We found that he had already read several of the books. He did enjoy one he did not think he would enjoy-The Apothecary. There are opportunities for online discussion with other students. To our knowledge he has not posted to the discussions.
EXPLORE Test
Eighth grade test in reading, math and science
Given at various locations. Our child took the test in 5th grade at a local CMS school one Saturday morning. There was a cost for this also($60 I think). He said he saw a couple of other Irwin students he knew. This test gives students practice taking standardized tests and shows them how they compare to eighth graders across the nation that took the test. He scored in the 85th percentile on math and reading. Highest in Science. Students who score in the 99th% are listed in the quarterly magazine.
Crisis Camps
Critical thinking and problem solving of real world events such as hurricane Katrina
Cost around $1000. Financial aid available.
One week camps in the summer
The closest camp to Charlotte has been at Meredith College in Raleigh. We did not see any camps held on Duke's campus. Others are in Florida and one other state as listed each summer.
We wanted to send our child last summer but I wasn't ready for him to go away for a week. We're thinking about it for this summer now that he is older.
Weekend Classes
We have not participated in any of the classes due to quick fill up, hectic athletic schedule and location of class; however, were definitely interested. Closest location to Charlotte have been in Meredith College in Raleigh. We did try to sign him up for last fall's class and it filled up quickly.
Independent Study Activities
We have not done any of these but they look interesting. There is a cost for these also.
Resources
We get certain resources at a discount. Our child starts Spanish 3rd quarter so we will purchase the discounted Rosetta Stone software for him through Duke TIP. It is actually only half the cost of the retail version. It will give us a one year subscription to the online version of Spanish 1.
Bookclub
A new book is introduced every couple of months. We have made sure our child reads the book club book of the month. The book changes every few months as opposed to every month. We found that he had already read several of the books. He did enjoy one he did not think he would enjoy-The Apothecary. There are opportunities for online discussion with other students. To our knowledge he has not posted to the discussions.
EXPLORE Test
Eighth grade test in reading, math and science
Given at various locations. Our child took the test in 5th grade at a local CMS school one Saturday morning. There was a cost for this also($60 I think). He said he saw a couple of other Irwin students he knew. This test gives students practice taking standardized tests and shows them how they compare to eighth graders across the nation that took the test. He scored in the 85th percentile on math and reading. Highest in Science. Students who score in the 99th% are listed in the quarterly magazine.
Crisis Camps
Critical thinking and problem solving of real world events such as hurricane Katrina
Cost around $1000. Financial aid available.
One week camps in the summer
The closest camp to Charlotte has been at Meredith College in Raleigh. We did not see any camps held on Duke's campus. Others are in Florida and one other state as listed each summer.
We wanted to send our child last summer but I wasn't ready for him to go away for a week. We're thinking about it for this summer now that he is older.
Weekend Classes
We have not participated in any of the classes due to quick fill up, hectic athletic schedule and location of class; however, were definitely interested. Closest location to Charlotte have been in Meredith College in Raleigh. We did try to sign him up for last fall's class and it filled up quickly.
Independent Study Activities
We have not done any of these but they look interesting. There is a cost for these also.
Resources
We get certain resources at a discount. Our child starts Spanish 3rd quarter so we will purchase the discounted Rosetta Stone software for him through Duke TIP. It is actually only half the cost of the retail version. It will give us a one year subscription to the online version of Spanish 1.