Good story by Allie Shah in today's paper on new programs popping up in the metro area as districts compete for students and state aid.

And they're all starting in kindergarten.

There are Chinese and Spanish immersion programs, International Baccalaureate programs and even one for kids with IQs over 145 (eeep, not sure how I feel about testing my 6-year-old...).

We are one of those driving our kindergartener to a different school district so she can learn Chinese. We thought long and hard about the choice - it would mean Zoe wouldn't go to our community school, which has an excellent reputation. She wouldn't be in the same school as our neighbors' kids. All important things.

Plus there was the 20 minute drive each way everyday. But we were won over during our visit by the sight of multi-hued kids chanting in Chinese and the enthusiasm of the teachers. In the end, we thought: how could we not give her this opportunity?

Click here for the article.

Is your kid in one of these programs? Are you considering one?