Reply to My son's kindergarten class has several 7 yr olds in it.

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[quote=Anonymous]
"Those of us with high school kids can tell you it really, really doesn't make a difference. "

As a high school parent of three, I can tell you that this is false.  If it does not make a difference, why do so many parents of students who are doing well in school decide to have their son repeat a year? I am not speaking to those who see an issue in kindergarten and for various reasons, intellectual or emotional, decide to have their child repeat a year. What a very difficult decision and I know of several parents who have struggled with this.

I do have an issue with successful students being held back in 3-7th grade for other reasons, namely sports.  There are quite a few of these red-shirted athletes on the various  teams around, lacrosse and basketball seem the most prevalent. Whenever you hear the word "phenomenon"  attached to a high school athlete, check his age. I am always curious when I see the All-Met teams come out ....how many of these athletes were red-shirted?..I would love it if the Post did research on this.  This seems to be much more frequent occurrence in DC and Maryland than in Virginia. Many Virginia parents show up at privates in DC and MD wondering what in the world....how could all these students get held back?

I have seen athletes being mowed over in freshman football by the 220lb late 15 year old or 16 year old freshman.   You may argue that there are 220lb 14 year olds doing the same thing...but these 14year old athletes do not have the muscle mass that a 16 year old would have.  A one year difference is huge at this age as well as the remaining years of high school. That is why parents do it!

It also can make  a  difference socially.  Those students who are 1 year to 18 months older do bring a new set of issues to the table.   Your 14 year old freshman daughter may not be ready for the issues a 16 year freshman boy brings.   I am not saying that every 16 year old freshman boy is not to be trusted..but what I am saying is the argument that "it does not make a difference" to red-shirt is ridiculous.

That is why parents spend an extra chunk of money on that extra year.  Again, some students do truly need this extra year to be successful...and I believe these are in the minority .....for others....merely a "vanity" year....parents looking for that edge for little johnny.

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