Academic Talent Development Program for girls
We are about to enroll our daughter in the Art and Science of Math course through Academic Talent Development Program (ATDP). She is completing 4th grade. Curious what the gender balance looks like in the ATDP classes and would love to hear from any families with daughters or nonbinary kids who have attended in the past (particularly upper elementary grades). I have some concerns about my kid losing interest as the gender dynamics in her class of majority boys has affected her learning this year.
Also, she had a lot of learning loss in 3rd grade especially in math, so grateful that she has a spot in this class. I'm curious to hear from families who have attended who have creative and engaged students who may not be at the top of their class academically.
Also, interested in connecting with anyone with a daughter who might be attending this course summer 2025. Thanks in advance!
Parent Replies
My daughter did ATDP for the first time last summer after her 5th grade year. She took chemistry and loved it. It seemed creative and engaging. She didn't mention anything about gender dynamics and in the final presentation the gender mix didn't catch my attention.
I cannot recommend the ATDP program enough. My girls looked forward to their ATDP classes, in math, science, problem solving. They really thrived in the in-depth and creative classes. Stick with the program as long as you can or until they find other outlets for their curiosity and creativity. As your daughter reaches upper elementary, some boys in school will become rowdier, cruder, and ruder than some girl classmates. Their behaviors can be a major turn-off. More quiet and chill boys also don't like the rowdy ones and can be great friends to your daughter so don't discount the boys. That will progress through middle school, maybe taper off a bit in high school but still plenty of boy energy and attitude that girls in STEM fields will find themselves in. Support your girl as much as possible and tune out the noise. Find one/two friends along the way. My daughter's best buddies in physics class were two boys. The 3 of them were a tight group and sit/study/do projects together. Focus on their own learning and opportunities. They don't need to be at the top of their class. That will become extremely stressful and bad for mental health if they only want to chase high grades and scores. Keep looking for places, programs, and people that allow them to experience that joy, the light in their face when they can learn with like-minded peers.