How old can a child be to start 1st grade in California?

Question

I have a preschooler who will be starting kindergarten next year. He turns 6 in August. I know he has to be 5 by December 3 to start Kindergarten and 6 by December 3 to start 1st grade. But can I keep him in Kindergarten an extra year? I think he would really benefit from staying two years in kindergarten. Obviously, we would make the decision after we see how he does at the end of next year, but I just wanted to know if having him stay 2 years is even an option. Thanks.

Answer 1

HIs kindergarten teacher will keep you posted on his progress when he starts, unless he has severe learning problems let him stay with the friends he will have made.

Answer 2

no don't do that he would benifit more staying in first grade for two years. i believe you have to be 6 year old to enter within the first grade but if your still 5 in september when school starts and your birth day is like 3 or 4 months away they will still except it.

good luck

Answer 3

In America kids begin 1st grade at 6 years old (or 5 if they are just before the cutoff).

Answer 4

hey i work at a school and there's this kid that REALLY i mean really needs to stay back another year in kinder but the mom said no push him along and he's going on to 1st grade but every school district is different i know at the district i work at if a parent asks for their child to be retained they can make it happen for the child's sake. 1 out of every 5 kids now adays either arent ready for kinder or after kinder arent ready for 1st. im 21 and kinder isnt the same as when i was there anymore they they have to know all their colors their numbers to 100 saying them outloud and writing them how to spell their full name use sissors and start reading simple books. its something you have to discuss next year with your son's teacher during conference time usually around november. he might not have to repeat depending how well he's adjusting to school, but there's always the option if you want it

Answer 5

I don't live in California but your question caught my eye. Unless your son is terribly immature or grossly lacking in basic skills I wouldn't keep in in Kindergarten for two years. Like you said it may not be an option. I think he should be kept on track with his peers. If academics are the problem bolster his performance with tutors. I think a child who is a full year older may feel odd and possibly suffer from some confidence issues resulting from answers questions about why he is so much older than his classmates.  

My daughter is on the young side of 3rd grade. She is 8 while everyone is 9. This annoys her, she wants to be like everyone else. On the other hand my oldest son is 14 and in 9th grade. Most of his friends are 15. Being young has never bothered him. I know your situation is different but just a little insight into how kids think.

Good Luck. : )

Answer 6

Parents can usually make the choice to retain their children for a second year in kindergarten.  However, why even consider this when your child hasn't started school yet?  If he's doing well academically, keeping him back is not only unnecessary but unfair to him.  

How do you think he will "benefit" from a second year of kindergarten?  He'll be bigger?  or "smarter?"   In reality, he'll just be older and bored, and therefore more likely to get into trouble.   Being the biggest and oldest in the class is only an advantage if it occurs naturally, not by retaining a child who doesn't need to be retained.