Hi LMom,
You are correct, he is almost 8 and will be just shy of 9 if we were to get accepted for the 2011/2012 school year.
I was happy to hear that the program is about the whole child and finding the right fit all around. We are serious, too, and have a considerable amount of miles under our belt on the quest for the right academic match.
If we are fortunate enough to get to participate in the on- campus assessment, I will be curious to see just how he does fit in. Since the academic readiness is there, I would hope that the school can take into account the age factor because in my opinon that is what separates them out from the rest of the schools out there that would consider putting an 8 year old in 6th or 7th grade but can't meet the challenges that come with being 8.
My son is very adaptable to a variety of social situations, and comfortable with older kids, but he is every bit his age when it comes to McDonald's toys and who got the bigger bowl of ice cream. I wouldn't have it any other way- I want him to enjoy his childhood and that is why we are willing to move literally across the country to find the right school.
With that said, I will have to trust in the school's assessment and if they don't feel it is right, they should know best. That is what happened here locally this past spring and while I was deeply disappointed, I ultimately understood if they didn't feel it could work (and it was an expensive private school that had every incentive to make it work) then it wouldn't work and nobody would be happy.
Sorry that I am rambling. I appreciate the comments and suggestions and am absorbing it all. I am still quite anxious to speak to parents who applied and if anyone is willing to talk, please PM me.
