In the 1940s, Hunter College launched a "genius school" for children with high IQs. Here, 6-year-olds study time. Here, Lucy, standing to the left, shared what she found in the library about old-fashioned candle clocks. Her remarks were copied on the blackboard along with other students' observations. The students were critical of each other's work and often double-checked in the library. See the entire gallery at LIFE.com.
Life at a 'genius school,' 1948 —
In the 1940s, Hunter College launched a "genius school" for children with high IQs. Here, 6-year-olds study time. Here, Lucy, standing to the left, shared what she found in the library about old-fashioned candle clocks. Her remarks were copied on the blackboard along with other students' observations. The students were critical of each other's work and often double-checked in the library. See the entire gallery at LIFE.com.
Nina Leen—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
Playing chess, David, left, moved a piece for Lennie. Both were 7 1/2. David learned the game from his father, then taught Lennie how to play.
Life at a 'genius school,' 1948 —
Playing chess, David, left, moved a piece for Lennie. Both were 7 1/2. David learned the game from his father, then taught Lennie how to play.
Nina Leen—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
Here, a 10-year-old girl gets a lesson in conducting from her teacher. Students at the school also had a choral society and 3-year-olds had a rhythm band.
Life at a 'genius school,' 1948 —
Here, a 10-year-old girl gets a lesson in conducting from her teacher. Students at the school also had a choral society and 3-year-olds had a rhythm band.
Nina Leen—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
Students mixed chemicals at a public "genius school" for 3- to 11-year-olds at New York's Hunter College in 1948.
Life at a 'genius school,' 1948 —
Students mixed chemicals at a public "genius school" for 3- to 11-year-olds at New York's Hunter College in 1948.
Nina Leen—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
Here, 9-year-olds practiced practical conversations in French. A waiter asks the monsieur to approve the wine, as the madame consults a French menu. See the entire gallery at LIFE.com
Life at a 'genius school,' 1948 —
Here, 9-year-olds practiced practical conversations in French. A waiter asks the monsieur to approve the wine, as the madame consults a French menu. See the entire gallery at LIFE.com
Nina Leen—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images