Anonymous wrote:I see it in West Springfield, but as PP said it's not universal. There are plenty who start their kids "on time" with summer birthdays. We are one of those families and it's refreshing to be around others who do the same. My DS is a July birthday and always has at least 2-3 kids younger than him in his class. I also know of at least one late September family that started their child on time.
Then I know of two families that have red shirted very bright, articulate kids with August birthdays. There was no developmental reason, only that they didn't want them to be the youngest. So there are definitely families like that in the suburbs.
My son's kindergarten teacher is not a fan of red shirting and almost rolls her eyes at it. But I've talked to a kindergarten teacher at another local ES and she thinks red shirting can be a good thing because the expectations are much higher in K now.
Some families also choose to have their child do private K at a local daycare/preschool so that they can benefit from a smaller class size. Then start them on time for 1st grade.
I have Aug. boy who I sent on time - when I meet these other people who did not redshirt their summer bday kids either, it’s like the Katniss 3 finger salute!! Haha.