DS5 has been in a half day K / half day preK class for the last year. He goes to preK purely for age-peer socialization. He tested in the highest range among his K classmates (a few others in his class tested jn the same range). His IQ is 145, his AR level is 2.8 and he has tested close to 2nd grade math.

From an academic perspective, grade skipping to first grade makes sense - he can then be placed in the highest groups for math and reading or even sent to second grade as needed. However, he is shy in groups and would even be young among the K class so you can imagine how young and small he is compared to the majority of the K class. As a result of his shyness, he is often not outspoken when asked and not
Demonstrating his comprehension (belied by his test scores) and he gravitates towards the younger boys and often the girls. As a result of him being shy and on the periphery a lot, the school does not want to grade skip but advocates "sending him down/across the hall" for subject matters. I understand the concern but am very very conflicted.

1. He is often shy in any group, age peers or not
2. There is no guarantee that keeping him
With age peers will change his socialization
3. Sending him down the hall may make him feel more odd-man out and IMO he needs to be sent down the hall for everything except art, music and gym perhaps (tho he could).
4. I want him to become more extroverted and confident and comfortable in sports and approaching others but I don't necessarily want to hold
Him back educationally on a mere hopeful basis that he will develop
In that way
5. The school is quite open and receptive and has worked with us but they are not G&T specialists and don't seem, IMO, to understand that gifted
Children often exhibit these social characteristics and so I am not comfortable just deferring to their concern in this area

He has friends in both the incoming k and incoming 1st grade due to his 1/2 and 1/2 schedule this year. He tells me he likes both.

Like any parent, I want to ensure he succeeds. If he stays in K next year and the enrichment isn't sufficient we are spending a whole lot of money for him not to be challenged.

Anyone have thoughts, experienced or advice?