Ethan, a Highly Gifted Middle Schooler Finding Confidence and Academic Growth

Ethan, a highly gifted middle school student, had always excelled academically but struggled socially throughout elementary school.

His anxiety about peer interactions grew over time, and by the start of middle school, it became overwhelming. As he explored his gender identity, he needed a supportive learning environment that honored his individuality. Traditional schools often left him feeling isolated, and his perfectionism made it difficult for him to ask for help. He also dreamed of attending a rigorous boarding school but had some academic gaps to address before making the transition.

At Pacific Preparatory, we designed a customized program that challenged him intellectually while providing the emotional support he needed to build confidence. With teachers who understood his twice-exceptional profile, Ethan leaned into his strengths in math and science while integrating executive function coaching to help him manage his workload. His curriculum was tailored to close academic gaps while incorporating enrichment courses in engineering and creative writing—subjects that fueled his passion. With his confidence restored, Ethan is now thriving academically and socially, feeling prepared for his next chapter at a specialized in-person program for gifted students.