While we are constantly exposed to people of different learning capabilities, both in and out of the workplace, we do tend to align ourselves with those of similar interests and processing abilities. In the real world most careers do require a certain level of intellect and aptitude, varying of course between careers. A gifted program doesn’t make you socially inept in interacting with others just as a regular stream program still allows you to work alongside your peers, it simply offers a faster pace environment for high performing students. Even regular stream classes in Ontario are “segregated” into academic and applied courses. This same practice is put into use in university, as students are accepted into different programs based on academic performance and perceived intelligence, a form of segregation that does in fact continue into the competitive career world.

The issue isn't that the students need to learn to get along. The fact is that different students learn at different levels. I went to public schools in Ontario with gifted programs throughout my education. I had the benefit of being a "traveler" in that program when I was still in elementary school. While the regular stream was doing basic spelling and math tests my class was deeply engaged in art projects and logic problems. I benefited tremendously and completely agree that certain teaching methods and subjects need to cross over into the regular stream. However, I also recognize that certain classmates I had in the regular stream, while perhaps succeeding in their own classes, would not have been able to keep pace, perhaps to the detriment of other students progress. The issue is not segregation, but the quality of the education provided to all students regardless of their demonstrated learning capabilities.