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[quote=Anonymous]Subjects we're struggling with as well. But we do have some experience to share.

My daughter -- spring baby, tall for her age, well coordinated and with 3 years of mixed-age Montessori education under her belt -- struggled mightily in K and 1st grade. She was well ahead, but nobody at school cared. She had to re-learn to hold a pen, trace letters, count to 20, etc. Homework was absolutely dreadful and when we tried to raise the issue with the school, the teacher became vindictive. She also learned that being smart does not pay off. Maybe boys have an easier time, as teachers expect them to be ahead after seeing so many of them being redshirted, but being ahead was incredibly counterproductive for my daughter.

Now that I have the same choice with my boy, I actually decided against building so much academics into his preschool, focussing more on social play. I did consider holding him back (late July baby with a speech impediment) -- but looking at the big picture, he will be going to a school together with a whole community of kids he knows and likes. While nowhere as well prepared as his sister was, he is still solidly ready and making further progress. Socially, he is more ready than his 8-year old sister will ever be. And by going this year, we get to keep his enthusiasm fresh.

Yep, he will be the small kid again, which will likely bite in middleschool. But he is also quite athletic, if not tall, and if I remember well, at that age, height is not really an important factor in making friends. Besides, we're a family who looks at sports as an opportunity for recreation and teamwork, not necessarily to create the next great athlete. So in balancing a great time in school vs. a great time in athletics, I will heavily lean on the school side. Given his poise, I doubt sports will ever become a problem for him anyway.

So... look at emotional readiness -- Academics will fall into place. They have two years when school has little expectations in terms of reading, writing and math -- the academics  have plenty time to come. Keep in mind that since K is not compulsory, even 1st grade goes extremely slowly.

Let them unwrap some new learning in school! And yeah, I absolutely do worry about older boys being held back. 
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