Should we put our son in Kindergarten or 1st Grade?

[mooksmom]

Originally Posted by redrice

One week till the public school registration, and we're still trying to decide whether to put our son in Kindergarten or 1st grade in the Fall! He's attending private kindergarten now because he missed the cutoff date for public kindergarten by 2.5 months (December birthday). Anyone has kids in similar situation (now or in the past)? What did you decide and are you happy with your decision? On one hand we're worried that if he repeats kindergarten next year, he'd be bored the entire time. Plus we're in Loudoun County so it's only half-day. On the other hand, we're worried about potential bullying issue later on due to his age/size, and of course academic/emotional/social readiness. His teacher seems to think that he is doing OK and should be ready for the 1st grade. But still, I wonder if it's the best thing for the kid. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thank you!

Put him in Kindergarten. There is no rush to education. Boys do better socially & academically when 'later starters' and there have been MANY studies done on this. I'd rather see him excel and taking AP courses down the road than floundering and not able to read in the 8th grade. It happens...a LOT...esp IF you are not involved in the schools and homework.

[redrice]

Thank you again for the helpful feedback.

We contacted the principal and got a reply yesterday. The principal said they can definitely help evaluate if we have doubt about placement, but suggested that in the mean time, we register for kindergarten. This way my son has a spot if that's where he ends up going. I think at this point, after gathering everyone's feedback and considering our son's maturity level, we feel more comfortable putting him in kindergarten rather than first grade. I feel more at ease now after making this decision. Thanks again!

[newnewsmama]

Put him in K. He won't learn much academically in Loudoun's K. But academics is not the only thing young kids learn in school. Social interactions, leadership are also important. Being younger than others will put him in the lower half, if not at the bottom, for many of the soft skills.

My son entered K with enough reading/math skills for 1st grade. But he's socially immature being the younger one in his class. Actually, most boys are behind most girls socially at this age. I can't imagine putting him in the 1st grade.

[doetwin]

Put him in 1st grade. If it turns out to be a mistake, you can always hold him back later. You can't the same thing if you put him in Kindergarten and that turns out to be a mistake.

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by doetwin

Put him in 1st grade. If it turns out to be a mistake, you can always hold him back later. You can't the same thing if you put him in Kindergarten and that turns out to be a mistake.

That's not true. I know many children that ended up skipping a grade. And the general views associated with skipping a grade involves "smart, focused, gifted"; while the stigma involved with being held back is the opposite.

(I am not saying that is true about everyone who is held back; just pointing out the stigma associated.)