
My son is turning 5 this Spring but I don't think he will be ready for all-day public K. I've talked to K teachers at the school he would be going to as well as observed the classes. I think the long day, lots of transitions, etc etc would be too much for him to handle. We've loved our preschool but it doesn't have a K. Has anyone sent their child to a private half-day K (just for one year) and then sent them to their neighborhood public school for grade 1? I have started looking at preschools that offer a state licensed K program and think the half-day (some of them have 1 or 2 days where the kids stay a bit later than noon) would be a better bridge for him from his play based developmentally appropriate preschool to the highly academic ES near us. |
I didn't do this but I sent my son to his daycare's kindergarten program, and then to public school this year. He is actually a summer birthday, so older than you child, but I felt that he would benefit from the smaller class size and the more comfortable environment. I'm glad I decided to do this. Maybe he would have been fine in public school, but he LOVED his daycare kindergarten and had a very positive experience, and started first grade full of confidence and excitement. I worried he might have trouble making friends but that was not a problem. I think if you are hesitant to send your child to public school, I would trust that instinct and give your child a year to mature in a less stressful environment.
If you are concerned about reading etc., you can work with your child at home. |
OP here. Thanks for your insight. My son does well in his small classroom now but I've seen how he is when he is around lots of kids (seem stressed and anxious). I know the K classes at our local public school all have more than 20 students each this year. His preschool class has 8 kids. Does anyone else have any experience sending their kids to a private K program and then on to public 1st grade? |