K-1 start age (Chelmsford, Westford: buying a house, buying, school)

[fkocer]

Hello,
We will be moving to Chelmsford from Turkey in the summer. We have two girls (will be 4 and 6 on June). I am looking into to buying a house in Westford because of the good school system.

I think the regulations are that my 6 years old should start K-1 this year in Mass. She is currently attending kindergarten in Turkey. They teach very basic English at school. She can understand basic instructions in English, but can hardly speak. They do not teach how to read in kindergarten here. That is reserved for K-1. As far as I can understand from what I read, this is not the case in the USA where kids start to learn how to read in kindergarten.

I am wondering if it would be best (and allowed) to send her to kindergarten one more year so that she can learn English better. I would very much appreciate if people with similar experience would share theirs.

Thanks a lot,
Fatih.

[ECPCVC]

If I were you I would keep her back and have her start Kindergarten here. Many parents of children with summer birthdays opt to delay kindergarten. In your case, the language issue along with a summer birthday would seem a good reason to have her start in K rather than 1st grade (I think that's what you call K-1). Good luck on your move!

[fkocer]

Originally Posted by ECPCVC

If I were you I would keep her back and have her start Kindergarten here. Many parents of children with summer birthdays opt to delay kindergarten. In your case, the language issue along with a summer birthday would seem a good reason to have her start in K rather than 1st grade (I think that's what you call K-1). Good luck on your move!

Thank you for your advise. Yes, I meant the first grade. So, I am understanding it is up to my decision to delay first grade for a year and it is not mandatory to get her enrolled in the first grade.

Thank you for your best wishes. I and my spouse lived in the USA for a while, but it will be the first time for the kids. I am expecting it will be a challenging experience for all.

[sal1181]

Hello
Yes send her to Kindergarten one more year. That way she would be better prepared. Westford is a wonderful town and actually Chelmsford is great as well.

[ECPCVC]

Originally Posted by fkocer

Thank you for your advise. Yes, I meant the first grade. So, I am understanding it is up to my decision to delay first grade for a year and it is not mandatory to get her enrolled in the first grade.

Thank you for your best wishes. I and my spouse lived in the USA for a while, but it will be the first time for the kids. I am expecting it will be a challenging experience for all.

Yes, you may choose to have her start in K, even though she is 6. It will not be a problem.