We just finished a year of private Kindergarten. Our daughter ( to be 6 on 9/4) was more than ready for Kindergarten, but the State of Missouri won't fund a child who is not 5 by July 31.
In Missouri, the school districts don't even have a choice to test children with late birthdays. Fortunately once Kindergarten is over and the child is over 5 on July 31 the districts are allowed to place the child in whichever grade they wish.
Ironically, Missouri Law does not require Kindergarten attendance, they just use it to stop young children from going to school.
Fortunately the private program was great. Our daughter was in a small class with other bright kids, reading at their own levels, conducting science experiments and working through fractions and multiplication (with manipulatives). Again, all this was done with the needs of each child in mind.
We'll see how the transition to first grade goes in August. Actually, we probably won't know if there is a problem until a few months into the year, once the "newness" wears off.
wish us luck!
Maryann
