Early entrance to kindergarten (for girl) - Montgomery County

[Anonymous]

My daughter's pre-school teachers have recommended that we apply for early entrance to kindergarten for her (she's a late September birthday). They report that in both academic and social terms, she's right in step or a bit ahead of her classmates, who will all be going to K this fall. This is also my husband's and my impression.

Does anyone have experience with the early entrance process? I have been advised to talk with the school principal to ask about class size, the likely age of the children who will enroll this fall (i.e. will there be a large proportion of red-shirted children or not?), what the class day is like, and whether the school is comfortable with early entrance or not. What are the other questions I should be asking?

And how awkward is the assessment? I've read on the website that the children attend the kindergarten orientation and are observed there. I am concerned that attending an orientation when she might not end up going could be hard on her. It's already strange enough that all her friends (from her first daycare, first pre-school, current pre-school AND neighbors) will be attending K for sure.

Thanks for any input!

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't worry about the assessment/orientation. Can't you just tell her you're all going to visit a school which she's going to go to someday to see what it's like?

I have a son who is an August birthday and will not be moving on to K with the rest of his preschool class. I just tell him, hooray! you get to stay at your preschool for another year. He doesn't think it's strange at all. Some of the cannier girls in his class like to talk about how all five year olds go to kindergarten and when they're over for a playdate talking this way, I just say, nope, it's not true.

I've met several Sept girls who seem totally ready for K, and if she is I think you're right to pursue it, but do it because she's ready, not because of peer or social pressure. Whichever way it goes, project your confidence that she's in the right place.

[Anonymous]

Just another thought (I posted above): I don't know, but I would be surprised if the "proportion of red-shirted children" changes a lot from year to year, or if the school would be able to tell you how many there are before all registrations are complete. I would assume there will be a handful. You know that if she goes to K this year, she will probably be the youngest, so whether she is 12 mos younger or 13 mos younger than the oldest in the class doesn't seem to me like it should be a tipping point for you.

[Anonymous]

I think that early entrance into kindergarten is a really big decision. I am an elementary school teacher in Montgomery County. I have taught second and third grade. Even though your daughter might seem like she is ready for kindergarten now, things may change once she is up into the older grades. Some students I have seen enter early are totally ready. However, when kids get to me in second or third grade it often is very apparent socially that they are younger. If I were you I would see if the school you are looking at is going to be able to meet her needs academically if she enters when she technically is supposed to. Many schools have enrichment programs for higher achieving kids. This allows the kids to be in the same age group as their peers but makes sure they are challenged. I would not rely on the kindergarten orientation observation alone. Make an appointment with the principal and voice your concerns. The principal should be able to give you some pointers about how/if they would be able to meet your child's needs if she entered "on time." Good luck with this big decision!