Reply to Spouse and I disagree about redshirting son

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I’m about to enter the DC private school scene with my early April birthday DS4. Redshirting didn’t occur to me until recently when I was asked about it.

-he was a late talker and still has some OT issues
-no behavioral issues
-very tall
-loves sports but is only okay so far

Is this a scenario where locals would redshirt ? Would schools even allow it?[/quote]

You need to think about this from the school's perspective and that's how you find your answer. Private schools operate differently than publics in this way because they don't have to accept all students or meet all students' needs. So you need to be careful about how you frame this.

Regarding the developmental issues, you should be VERY cautious about how you discuss/approach it with schools. A public school would HAVE to take your kid no matter any special needs, so they would approach that conversation with "okay what's the right level." A private doesn't. So they might look at the late talking and OT and just say "oh it seems like we aren't the best fit." So be very careful. Privates counsel out kids that they think will be a resource drain or drag standards down.

On the other hand, many privates essentially encourage redshirting in order to ensure all kids are starting K with a certain academic readiness. So if it's framed as just "we wanted to do an extra year of PK to ensure he was grade level with his pre-literacy," many schools will not only be fine with it, they might encourage it.

Most schools will not care about his height or athletic prowess, at least not out loud, though schools (especially K-8s) that have an athletic focus may subtly steer families towards redshirting kids who are small for their age. Again, because it will benefit the school in the long run to have more kids who are physically more mature.

Anyway, I'd approach this on a school-by-school basis. But don't present yourself like a charity case "oh my poor son he's just not ready." Again, they don't have to take him at all. Instead you need to assert the need for redshirting in ways that appeal to the school's best interest. I highly recommend talking to any friends who have kids already at the school, especially if any redshirted. They can give you the inside scoop.[/quote]

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