I am torn and really need help calming the storm in my head about where to have my -  just-  6 year old attend 1st grade next year.  He is very much above grade level in reading, writing, math and in some ways.. maturity.  He draws these very intricate mazes.  He draws the map of the USA and can write (spelling correctly) every state in the appropriate places.  He can tell you what states boarder what states.  He knows the capitals.  ... These are just a few of his interests.  He gets very focused when he has an interest in something.  He amazes us every day with something new.

On recommendation, I had him tested for the gifted program last year , but  he didn't qualify.  It was a fill in the bubble type test and i was not allowed to see the results at all. 

He is in our local school (brand new school) for kindergarten.  I placed him there last year because I was going through a very rough pregnancy and didn't have the energy to do a proper search.  Now, he has made friends and gotten used to this school.  And, although he doesn't seem enthusiastic about school and doesnt seem to learn much new on a daily basis...he says he doesn't want to leave.  They have tried to accomodate his needs by having him go to first grade for reading.  Otherwise... everything he does in class is just busy work.  Even the 1st grade work isn't that difficult.  And, in the 1st grade class... there are so many students with no aide that the class is very rushed and pressured.   I do think that even though he can do the work.. the pace is scary for him.  I'm worried that he is not showing the enthusiasm for school  and learning that he should/could.

The curriculum focuses on math and reading.  Not much of anything else. They do a rotation of music, library/computers and PE.   I want his education to be more balanced with science, art, music, foreign language, PE... and I want it to be more hands on and cooperative.  But, they must teach everyone the same it seems. 

I have now researched schools and the schools that seem more of a fit are a bit of a drive.  I don't want to have to drive him 30 min to his school twice per day.  I know that sounds petty.. but there are many cons to adding that commute to my day.  My family says.. "just put him in afterschool programs".  But, I say... "too much of that and we over-schedule him and he can't be a kid".  So, I'm trying to balance my sons educational needs with our family needs.

Does anyone have advice for me?  Even if he wasn't advanced... I don't like the way the local/public school focuses heavily on reading and math.  It is too robotic and not enough creative thinking.  What am I to do?

Thanks!