Elementary school cutoff dates in NOVA (Fairfax: 2009, loans, home)

[homeschoolmama]

I have an early September child and an early October child--we sent the september one on the bus to kindergarten when she was just 4--turned 5 mid-September. She's always the youngest and usually hangs out with kids a grade lower than her--probably the grade she should have been in. Kindergarten teacher had a tooth chart for kids who lost their teeth--she never lost one in kindergarten. Her academics were excellent, but the maturity in friendships just wasn't there--she was a follower.

My October baby was turning 6 in kindergarten. She was reading before she went, excelled in academics, and was the leader of the pack in the classroom.

It doesn't hurt to wait. We homeschool now, so none of this makes a difference to my kids now. My September baby is a grade ahead in her academics. Hanging around adults and children of many ages has helped to socialize her in a more adult and mature manner--she is a well-rounded and out-going young lady.

I also taught in public elementary schools and in preschools--it doesn't hurt to wait--you shouldn't be in a hurry for your kids to grow up anyway. Enjoy them while you have them, they aren't yours for long.

[arabellava]

Originally Posted by KathyR

Plenty of kids with late birthdays are NOT held back. (including both of mine w/August birthdays. no regrets)

The September 30th cutoff date is statewide for public schools. Look for a private kindergarten in the area you are considering living in - they often have later cutoff dates. Once your child completes a year of kindergarten there they can move right into 1st grade in a public school, as long as they have documentation that they have completed kindergarten.

Can anyone tell me a private kindergarden that does take October kids? I called 6 or so in Nova and was given the same 9/30 cutoff.. I'd like to have an option to consider for my DD.

Thanks!

[Denton56]

Do you think that all these schools, all these educators, all these professionals, just might know something that you don't about children and their development? Just something you might want to consider..............

[arabellava]

Fairfax county's cut off of 9/30 is not universal- other counties, other states and countries follow later cut-offs. I recognize that 9/30 is where FFX Cty drew their line- but I would never say any administrator was infallible.

[ngoodman]

Thanks for the responses. Are there any private / montessori schools which take october kids?

[Fairfax Mom]

I heard Montessori schools are not good - the kids are left to be "free" and then they get to regular school and dont know how to follow the rules. Has this been anyones experience? I have heard this from public school teachers.

[sls76]

Originally Posted by arabellava

Fairfax county's cut off of 9/30 is not universal- other counties, other states and countries follow later cut-offs. I recognize that 9/30 is where FFX Cty drew their line- but I would never say any administrator was infallible.

Are you sure other VA counties have different cutoffs? I thought it was a state law.

I've looked at other cutoffs and VA is roughly in the middle.

Kindergarten Cut-Off Dates

[tgbwc]

Originally Posted by ngoodman

Thanks for the responses. Are there any private / montessori schools which take october kids?

My wife worked at a Montessori school for ten years. She is now with FCPS. Most private schools will go with the public school's cutoff dates. If they take them early for kindergarten, it puts the parents in the situation where, if they leave after the year and go public for first grade, the public schools put them back in kindergarten and it creates a hassle.

I still don't understand. Why the rush to get your child into kindergarten?

[mominbristow]

My daughter was a September baby but was a preemie...so birthday "should have" been in November. We held her back a year and sent her to a 5-day/week, 5-y-o preschool program that was geared toward the fall babies. She's 15 years old now, and I can honestly say it was the best decision for her.

[Denton56]

So far, no one has regretted waiting and no one can state an advantage to sending a child to school early.