It’s the middle of the school year, the winter skies are gloomy, and your child is restless. What better way to break up the winter doldrums than to plan for summer?

A summer program can offer your child a challenging academic experience and the opportunity to develop friendships with intellectual peers. Gifted and talented students benefit tremendously from such programs because they provide educational and social experiences often lacking in a regular school environment.

We have identified some resources to get you started. Researching the programs together is essential: your child should feel that the program will be engaging and rewarding, and you need to be assured...

Admission to the North Carolina School of Science and Math (NCSSM) has been coveted by the state’s academically talented students since the school’s inception in 1980. Last year 667 rising sophomores applied and 276 were accepted for admission to the class of 2002.

Acceptance, which is limited to students who are residents of North Carolina or have a resident parent, is based on standardized test scores, teacher recommendations, on-campus interviews, and, most important, demonstrated interest and talent in mathematics and the sciences. The few students who are accepted attend the school at no cost. Tuition, books, fees, and room and board are provided, and all students are...