Thanks for all the great points. It really helps to hear from other parents. One moment, I think I am worrying to much about this because he is really just a baby. He's only just turned four, afterall, why worry so much about a school decision! But then, on the other hand, I see how this decision could have far-reaching implications for all his years ahead. Will he be the youngest in a class or the oldest? As it stands, in the 4/5 class there are children that are more than a year older than him (evidently with parents who elected to "redshirt")
I just want him to have a positive experience. One point that really struck me was about his classmates. He really has no interest in younger kids (with the exception of his little sister and the novelty of babies). In the neighborhood, all of his friends are all 5, 6, or 7 seven years old. He has no interest in the kids that are 4 and younger. This is a point I will certainly bring up with his teacher when we meet.
He is actually above average in height, so he doesn't stick out as young in his classroom size-wise... but he does in demeanor.
My husband and I are a little skeptical of the school, but I think we might be confusing skepticism with resistance to paying a large tuition bill! I do believe they mean it when they say they differentiate. I know, for example, that there are usually at least one or two six graders every year that take calculus. I don't know what, exactly, differentiation looks like in the lower grades and especially in the preschool years, though.
His teacher has been teaching gifted kids for 20 years, has a masters degree in gifted education, etc. etc. So we will definitely be open to hearing what she recommends.
I know we should follow our instincts here, as parents - but for some reason we just aren't getting a strong gut instinct on this one. Perhaps that means it would work out OK either way...
I have to admit, part of me is thinking "OK, if you are going to hold him back a year, why send him to a gifted school?? Perhaps he'd do fine in the public schools, but while staying the youngest in the class." Of course, they have made it clear that his intellect isn't the issue. It's the stubborness, the poor fine motor skills, and (I'm assuming here) the general restlessness.
Thanks again, everyone! I'd love to hear any more experiences or opinions on this.
