He could skip to 5th... and within a couple/few months, he'll be back in the same pickle. Spelling/reading/language arts still wouldn't be anywhere close to his abilities and he'll still be ready for pre-algebra by February at the latest. It'd be no different in 6th: same academic issues, just with much bigger kids.
I do think he'll be in a pickle - but certainly not the SAME pickle...when it comes to readiness level, there are levels:
Hard
Somewhat hard
a little bit hard
easy, but at least interesting - I call this one 'edutainment.'
easy, not at all interesting
snoozaloozing easy
wanna scream easy
wanna destroy the school OR I'm totally humiliated easy
We've been down on those lower rungs of the readiness levels, and even a few steps in the right direction make a big difference. I like to say that after the summer birthday + single grade skip, DS13 has all the problems 'regular gifted kids' have - and while that is dissapointing, it's also a relief!
I say don't worry about if a change is 'enough' but just keep looking at the situation and figuring out what would help him 'learn how to learn' now. I do know a wildly PG kid who kept his base grade at a public school, with grade subject accelerations in everything, and only early college in his favorite subject, and it worked well for that child. If your public school is willing to work with you - take them up on their offer. It doesn't have to be perfect, just 'good enough.'
Best Wishes,
Grinity
