First, in my experience, preschool teachers very often tend to err on the side of caution and recommend extra time in preschool and K, especially for boys, so if your son's teacher is recomending that your child needs more, then that says a ton to me.
I would definitely use this teacher as a resource, a source of support, and as an advocate for your son. Would she be willing to call schools that are options for you to say, "I have this student in my class that I feel very strongly is ready for a 1st grade classroom . . . " and see what she gets? Sometimes an educator to educator conversation is very helpful. If not a conversation, would she be willing to write a letter of recommendation detailing specifically why she thinks 1st would be a good placement?
I thought it was interesting that you said the school system's web site discourages trying to get around this deadline. To me, this sounds like a door is open for someone for whom getting around the deadline would be truly appropriate.
You've gotten some great advice!
I love all these ideas and agree heartily. Frankly, our local website doesn't say anything about early entrance - you've got much better odd at a place that acknowledges that it might exist and discourages it.
I love the idea of using the current school as a resource. You can always ask.
I don't believe that testing is required for early entrance - with giftedness the bottom line is 'Is this child already thriving on the work expected of an older child? if yes, than keep giving that level of work!' If testing is required, then it may be the start of a reliable local relationship with someone who 'gets' gifted, and that's a good thing.
Of course, if you just want a list of school, try here:
http://www.greatschools.org/california/san-diego/private/schools/Remember to go visit school, observe things like 'what books are on the classroom library shelf' and keep your ears stuffed with cotton when the staff starts talking about their abstract philosophy. Only direct observation of classrooms will tell you anything about what schools are actually like.
Welcome to the Forum!
Grinity
