Can they bridge the gap now to make it easier for her by moving her into 2nd grade classes for part of the day so that when she goes to 3rd grade, she knows a lot more of the kids who would be classmates? Just a thought on that. They want us to do a grade skip for my 12 yo and she's taking at least one 8th grade class and one high school class a day, with the other two blocks being with age mates. We're hoping (fingers crossed) if opt for the skip that she'll have established some new friendships, which will make the transition easier.
