Anne Marie - Have you done any research on the federal laws about what the public school HAS to provide for your child? Because I would think his high IQ would make him fall under the same guidelines as kids with disabilities, if that makes sense. Can you have a 504 meeting where you have special accommodations documented? That's what we have for DS due to his ADD. Your circumstance is totally different, but it amounts to a diagnosis of a learning "difference" that requires special modifications. The school HAS to provide him with appropriate curriculum, or they have to pay to transport him somewhere that has a curriculum that fits his needs. Public schools don't like for parents to know that, because even if they don't have the funding they HAVE to figure it out. Federal law. The principal at Daniel's school knows it, too. Even as horrible as our public schools are, there are magnet programs for gifted kids.
What sort of scholarships or financial aid does the private school offer? All of the private schools here have some sort of assistance that you can apply for. Of course his asthma is a concern - you would just have to meet with the staff at the private school to be sure they could handle it until you were able to get there. 40 minutes is a bit of a commute. Good luck sorting out the options!