Skipping a year in grade school prior to boarding school

<p>Often the children who need to be grade skipped make friends on an intellectual peer basis and aren’t as locked into the typical same age peer groups as other children. They tend to make friends across all age/gender groups. Also, it’s possible to grade skip now and readjust to age grade at a later date. </p>

<p>We have found it very difficult to plan schooling too many years in advance. So many things change from year to year. We’ve been all over the map to meet the educational needs of our children. Including (in no particular order): private day school, public school, home school, grade skips, early college, and boarding school. Try to take it year by year and reassess as needed. Each child has different needs that can be met in a variety of settings over time.</p>

<p>The area that has proved most difficult for us is keeping children in athletic activities with age mates. It depends on the sports involved and physical development of children, but this was the place that presented the biggest challenges for our family. </p>

<p>Good luck! </p>

<p>Ask your child first. She’s the one who is going to be skipping a grade and having to learn with older kids. Make sure she’s on board. Also keep in mind that although she may not be challenged in her current grade, having to learn a year ahead of the people her age may still prove too difficult (and may interfere with her social life and extracurriculars). It’s better to be one of the best in your grade than to “just-get-by” in a grade you skipped to.</p>

<p>However, if you do decide that she’s prepared to skip a grade, I recommend repeating 9th Grade in boarding school– mainly because boarding school is extremely rigorous (in comparison to many public schools). Thus, I feel that your child would be more comfortable repeating a grade.</p>

<p>Whatever you choose to do, I wish you the very best of luck!</p>

<p>

This. If she has close friends in her current grade, and is happy and thriving, why mess with a good thing?</p>

<p>And even though she may have no problem keeping up academically if she skips a grade, being the “odd man out” and the youngest kid in the class isn’t likely to be a bed of roses for her, particularly if those kids have been in the same class together for several years.</p>

<p>Also, think about the class ahead of your daughter. Ask the principal how they are. Some classes are open and welcoming, while others have more cliques and are closed-off. If she’s socially thriving, has close friends, etc, I would allow her to wait and simply supplement her education. Throwing her into a new grade could be difficult.</p>

<p>Additionally, not that I know how the public school system works in your area, it might be easier to have her skip fifth, to leave elementary a year early and come into middle school, if she’s mature enough. That way, she’d be with more new people and have a larger “adjustment” period instead of just being thrown into the grade.</p>

<p>I skipped a grade in Middle School and I didn’t have any issues with testing and had a pretty successful application experience. (PM me for more info!) I don’t plan on repeating any grades at BS. I’m also waaaaay young for my grade (I’m graduating at 16). Additionally, I agree with previous posters that a big part of skipping a grade is the social scene and fitting in can be an issue when you’re younger than the other people in your grade. It does change based on how friendly/accepting the grade she’s going into is. However, I think it depends on the child. You have to judge based on your daughter’s personality and unique situation. I hope everything turns out well for you!</p>

<p>I agree with what has been previously said: let your daughter choose. If she loves the idea of skipping a grade and is ready to handle what is coming, let her! Then when the time comes for applications, let her choose if she even wants to apply. Let her choose if she wants to repeat a grade or continue where she is. As seen with @cheerios she would not be the only kid who is considered young for her grade, although there are more people that are considered old for their grade. I’m an advocate for letting kids be in charge of their own education. Good luck!</p>

<p>Sorry I’m coming to this a bit late; I’ve posted in other threads about GG’s experience as a skipped kid. It has not been an issue. We did not “push” for the first skip, it happened after a couple years’ homeschooling at “her own pace.” Taking the SSAT at 12 (in fall of 8th grade year) was not an issue. </p>

<p>Statistically, skipped kids who were at the top of their previous grade classes tend to remain at the top of the class they skip into. Socially, it is COMPLETELY individual. In GG’s case it was a boon to head to BS at 13, because there was not enough in our area academically and we didn’t want to homeschool for high school. It has not been an issue socially. In her school, the 9th graders ranged from early 13 (her and a couple of others) to 15 and even some turning 16 sometime during freshman year or the very beginning of soph. (esp. many of the Asian students, where their middle school years run through 9th then they come to the US and do all four years of high school).</p>

<p>@omgjusttellme‌, while I agree with your premise and those of the other posters who said “let daughter choose,” third grade is a little young to be making long term educational decisions. I would suggest that a few more trips around the sun are required, even for a gifted, even very gifted, kid. OTOH, I completely agree that by third grade a kid should have input.</p>

<p>@dadabc‌ feel free to PM me if you have specific questions.</p>