Any kids in Arlington skip Kindergarten? Weird situation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Once you've found a house, go and talk to the principal of the school he'll be attending. You'll get better advice from an educational professional than an anonymous forum! You'll also know more about your DS in July than January. The principal should know the age range for the incoming K and 1st grades.

Great advice. Plus, a stupid way to start at a new school would be to come in and insist on something the principal doesn't support, even if you have the right.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Redshirting of boys born in June-September is very very common in Arlington. I definitely wouldn't skip K. It is much harder to acclimate to friendships and the school when you start in 1st.

I disagree with this somewhat. My son's school (Glebe) has 5 1st grade classes. Of his K class, only 3 other students are now in his 1st grade class - only one of whom he was really friends with. So, basically in 1st grade everyone was new to him, and when he goes to 2nd grade next year, there will still be many students he doesn't know. So, I don't think it's a big deal to start in 1st. Yes, your child won't know the school and the routine as well as other, but since things change every grade as far as specials, etc. so everyone will be dealing with new things.

+1 in regards to acclimating. Many Montessori kids go from their preschool/k program to a new school for 1st grade, my son included. The classes at his school are "shuffled" from year to year, so when he started 1st he was only one of many with all new classmates. First graders had to wear all their pertinent info on a card pinned to their shirts, just like the kindergarteners, and my son had all the assistance he needed in learning the ropes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I want to redshift my son next year. We visited the principal of the school he would go to and a very nice person, but I'm already getting push back. Generally, not specific to my child.

Who has the ultimate right to decide this Arlington? If anyone can point me to a reference I'd appreciate it. (no judgments please - the situation is personal). Thank you.

I think the parent has the ultimate right to decide -- I know parents who redshirted without difficulty. The variable here is that I don't know if they redshirted based on their particular child (I assume they did) or because they fell prey to the general belief that kindergarten is the new first grade (not true in Arlington) and boys can't cope (which may be the belief the principle was reacting to).

If your child has an actual need to be delayed and you explain that to the school, I can't imagine why there would be a problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Redshirting of boys born in June-September is very very common in Arlington. I definitely wouldn't skip K. It is much harder to acclimate to friendships and the school when you start in 1st.

How common is it for summer girls in Arlington?

[Anonymous]

I guess I would also try to think long term. Typically, the teachers seem to do a pretty good job of accounting for differences between the kids' abilities in Kindergarten (different levels, reading assignments, etc.) so I wouldn't assume your child will be bored. They also spend time on social development, which is key.

But when I say to think long term, look well beyond this first year of "real" school. How mature is he? When he's a teenager, how do you want him to compare to the other kids in his class? How old will he be when you send him off to college? There's a lot to consider, other than whether he's already mastered some Kindergarten skills. I'm certainly not saying he shouldn't go straight to 1st-- just pointing out long-term implications.

[Anonymous]

Keep in mind that Arlington does not have a full-time GT program, so if your child is relatively advanced for his age, and then you redshirt, you will be supremely frustrated with the curriculum down the line. I know parents who redshirted and wish they hadn't because their kids are bored in school and the GT pull outs only happen a couple of hours a week. I sent my September birthday son on time and he's doing fine, still above average academically and socially, despite being young.

McLean has GT options, but the tradeoff is often getting 30+ kids in a GT class, compared to 26 max in Arlington.

[Anonymous]

If it's helpful: "Virginia law, Sections 22.1-254, requires that children who will reach their fifth birthday on or before September 30, 2011, must be enrolled in Kindergarten for the 2011-2012 school year unless the parent or guardian notifies the school in writing that they do not wish the child to attend kindergarten until the 2012-2013 school year." -FCPS

Additionally it says that if children are out of the age range (either above or below) to talk to their school about which grader to be placed in - for kids that don't meet the age requirements specifically.

[Anonymous]

I find it hilarious that OP had to do some "soul searching" about this decision to move from DC to VA. Methinks "soul searching" must be code for the child did not get into any decent private school and now OP and herDH have convinced themselves that it is crazy to spend $30k per year from private school anyway, so why not move to VA.