so explain this kindergarten cutoff to me

[Anonymous]

"The trend does seem to be turning back towards sending "on time" in public schools (at least in certain communities), but this still doesn't seem to be the case in private school. Out of 18 May - August birthdays in my DD's private school kindergarten class, 12 students were "held back." "

This is NOT the trend in the upper echelon of private schools, in our own experience.

[Anonymous]

OP here - wow, thanks for all of the responses/insight. I think the whole matter was confusing to me as I was a September birthday and went through the first grade curriculum in a Montessori school but had to re-do 1st in a public school due to a 9/1 cutoff (different state). Once we moved in VA, it was weird to me that I was in class with kids a full year younger than me... I guess because of this I am paying more attention to whether DD/DS will be the youngest/oldest.. when I know it truly doesn't matter.

Really, I was more concerned about DS potentially being held back and the kids only being a year apart in school... ideally, I would like two years. I think it will all work out, though. Sounds like it'll be two years as long as I follow the cut-offs.

Thanks all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"The trend does seem to be turning back towards sending "on time" in public schools (at least in certain communities), but this still doesn't seem to be the case in private school. Out of 18 May - August birthdays in my DD's private school kindergarten class, 12 students were "held back." "

This is NOT the trend in the upper echelon of private schools, in our own experience.

Says alot about the 'type' of parents that send their kids to those schools---then the kid's ability. Ultra-competitive from the womb on.

[Anonymous]

I know of some moms that are not keeping their kids back or even trying to get them in early (Sept birthdays) to reduce childcare/preschool costs.

My DS has a late September birthday and while I felt strongly about sticking with his intended enrollment date, I have recently thought about researching early admittance. He is tall for his age and very articulate. I worry that by the time he gets to kindergarten he will be bored and/or won't need to really try to succeed. Academics aside, he is a bit uncoordinated so I do think the extra year may help him to fit in better athletically, at least initially. Socially could go either way.

But since his public school is already overcrowded so I imagine there is no way they will let him in early anyway...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know of some moms that are not keeping their kids back or even trying to get them in early (Sept birthdays) to reduce childcare/preschool costs.

My DS has a late September birthday and while I felt strongly about sticking with his intended enrollment date, I have recently thought about researching early admittance. He is tall for his age and very articulate. I worry that by the time he gets to kindergarten he will be bored and/or won't need to really try to succeed. Academics aside, he is a bit uncoordinated so I do think the extra year may help him to fit in better athletically, at least initially. Socially could go either way.

But since his public school is already overcrowded so I imagine there is no way they will let him in early anyway...

where are you? DC, Fairfax and Arlington have Sept. 30th cutoffs so he would be in automatically...md?

[Anonymous]

People on this forum talk about redshirting as if were very common. I'm curious just how common it is. Is it 1 or 2 kids per class? or is it more? (one PP said 12 out of 18. is that usual?)

Is there any way to find out from the school system how many kids are starting K a year late?

it would certainly influence my decision to accelaerate/hold back.

[Anonymous]

What disturbs me about all this is that parents are not holding children back for a specific developmental reason, but rather because they decided - apparently when the child was born - that they "don't want him to be the youngest in the class" as if there is something inherently wrong with that in all circumstances and no parent should let that happen to their child.

I just wish these parents would do the research before making blanket statements because, for many children, being held back is not the "gift of time," it's more like a punishment for a child who is perfectly ready to thrive in school.

[Anonymous]

15:28 here-we're in MD, 9/1 cut off.

[Anonymous]

My BIL was born mid-December and was the youngest kid in his class. He ended up being the valedictorian of his class. Go figure.

[Anonymous]

"Says alot about the 'type' of parents that send their kids to those schools---then the kid's ability. Ultra-competitive from the womb on."

You misunderstand. To reiterate: In the upper end private schools, the trend is to NOT "hold back" your child.

[Anonymous]

"My BIL was born mid-December and was the youngest kid in his class. He ended up being the valedictorian of his class. Go figure."

Exactly.

If parents think that "holding them back" will somehow "help" their kid and prevent bullying; it is clear that the parents have their own issues to deal with. Please address your own issues instead of inflicting them on the kid.

[Anonymous]

Read "Outliers" and you'll understand the rationale to hold your child back.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"My BIL was born mid-December and was the youngest kid in his class. He ended up being the valedictorian of his class. Go figure."

Exactly.

If parents think that "holding them back" will somehow "help" their kid and prevent bullying; it is clear that the parents have their own issues to deal with. Please address your own issues instead of inflicting them on the kid.

Why do you care if someone holds their child back or not? Their decision should have no impact on your life, so I'd keep your trap shut.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What disturbs me about all this is that parents are not holding children back for a specific developmental reason, but rather because they decided - apparently when the child was born - that they "don't want him to be the youngest in the class" as if there is something inherently wrong with that in all circumstances and no parent should let that happen to their child.

I just wish these parents would do the research before making blanket statements because, for many children, being held back is not the "gift of time," it's more like a punishment for a child who is perfectly ready to thrive in school.

are your kids near the cutoff or mid-year. I felt the same way until I had a boy born 1-day before the cutoff and then started getting advice from just about anyone out there about 'boys readiness', etc. It puts doubts in your mind even when YOU know your kid is ready.

[Anonymous]

are your kids near the cutoff or mid-year. I felt the same way until I had a boy born 1-day before the cutoff and then started getting advice from just about anyone out there about 'boys readiness', etc. It puts doubts in your mind even when YOU know your kid is ready.

My kids are on either side of the Sept. cutoff - August & October birthdays.