glimling/Elisabeth's Profile

I would say it depends on the kids, but the majority of kids should be with their peers. After all, that is what the curriculum is designed for. However, there are always exceptions. Before you decide, you also need to understand what part of the kid's behavior is age related and what is personality related. That said, here is my story: My parents put me in school a year ahead. I was ready for it and in addition, I was among the tallest in my class. It worked very well and I was glad to have that "extra" year after high school. Now, I have twins, of which one is a hear ahead. When he was in 2nd and 3rd grade, we got hints from teachers that he was so disorganized and "in his own world" that we should consider moving him back to where he "should be". We persisted and now he is in the gifted program and much happier, and his young age isn't an issue. Also, he isn't the only one having to work hard on his organizational skills... His twin sister is in her grade appropriate class and even if it was tough for her to accept at first, that is the best place for her. Kids are all different and what is good for one, isn't necessarily for another. However holding normal kids back a year, in my opinion, robs them of a year that can be used for so much more on the other side of school...