Does anyone know of possible ways to enter kindergarten early in Florida?

Question

I am the mother of a 4 year old. She will not be turning 5 until November of this year. She just recently completed a pre- kindergarten K4 program where she excelled and was recognized as the top student in the class. She is reading, writing, counting well above 100, simple addition, knew colors shapes, alphabets and could count to 10 before turning 1 year. She also spoke in complete sentences before 1 year. I am not in a rush to send her to kindergarten, but I feel that it would not benefit her in anyway to repeat prek. As a matter of fact she was in the proper age group, but the preschool that she was attending advanced her to the K4 program, because thry felt that it was nothing that could benefit her in the current K3 classroom. Does anyone have any insight on how I can advocate for my daughter in Florida's school system, to allow her early entry into kindergarten? Ive tried all the resources I could to get answers, and have found none. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

I would say that the best way to do this would be to get her into a private school.  They don't have to be as strict as the public school systems.  Good Luck but remember that you need to do what is best for your child.  Remember that she will always be the youngest in her grade and may not be as mature as the other children.

Answer 2

Have you contacted the superintendent of the school district she will be attending?  That is the best one to answer this question.  Also you could find a homeschooling program that Florida accepts and go that route.  Then maybe next year just see about registering her in the 1st grade.

Answer 3

If you have tried the administration in the school district have you considered homeschooling....your daughter will be able to go at her pace and you can custom do her education without regard to her age.  You know her best and could probably give her the challenges that she needs to continue to grow and learn.  Just a thought....

Answer 4

I live in Wisconsin so I don't know the laws in Florida, but I think all schools can do a screening and if your daughter passes that she would be allowed to attend.  Most schools really frown upon early admittance though.  Sometimes it all catches up with the child later in Middle school or High School.  It can be hard to be the youngest one.  When in doubt hold them back.  Look for a different Four K program that individualizes their lessons so they can work with her on her level.  Academics are not the only measure of being ready for Kindergarten, there are other developmental tasks taht measure readiness.