<p>I don’t understand,</p>
<p>How does attending 9th grade at his current school (where he knows the teachers and may have friends) harm him? Why would you think that he would have to repeat 9th grade if he graduated and went somewhere else?</p>
<p>My daughter is entering prep school as a 10th grader. I did. My sister did. We have had both day students and boarders in our family (my sisters, my children) so I know both sides. It was one of the best decisions we made to have her stay home one more year. She’s ready for the experience, it gave her time to say goodbye and it gave her closure.</p>
<p>I think you are correct - you are “forcing” a decision that may not make any real difference. Unless there is a significant problem with the 9th grade classes at his current school, he should be fine.</p>
<p>Besides -smaller classes may mean more individualized attention.</p>
<p>Or perhaps I am misunderstanding the situation?</p>