You have really hit on a tough subject. In my opinion there is more to school than learning, actually memorizing, theorems and dates. School is where kids learn social skills, not just being social but actually how to get along with others, skills that will serve them for the rest of their life.

Robert Fulghum titled a book called "All I really need to know I learned in kindergarten". If you think about it there is a lot of truth in that title.

I don't know if you would be doing a disservice to your child if you didn't move them ahead or not. Likewise would you be doing a disservice if you did? Children don't like to be different and immediately your child will be the different kid in the new class.

There are, or should be, programs for advance learners in school that allow your child to be with their peers and still learn at the pace they are comfortable with. I remember friends in the Oly school district that took classes from the high school while still in middle school. They were advanced and still stayed with all of their friends.

I guess what I am saying is you really need to look at the child and only you will know if your child is ready and can handle it or not. Don't do it or not do it based on what you want. Don't do it just to say "my kid is a genius and skipped a grade".

The most important thing, in my opinion, is to instill a desire to learn and a thirst for knowledge in kids. It is what we are trying to do with our own children.

You have a tough decision and it is good that you are concerned with making the right decision. That is commendable in a parent, and lacking in many I am afraid.

Merch