<p>We did not intentionally “redshirt” our son but essentially he moved to a new school in 6th grade and he repeated 6th. The school he entered was a year ahead of the school he was leaving so it all balanced out. His birthday is in March so he was one of the older kids in his class. The only advantage I saw was in the area of maturity. He is definitely more mature than his peers but that may also have to do with his personality in general. He is currently starting his 9th grade year at Andover and the adjustment has been smooth. The question was part of the application process- was he held back and why? We did intentionally hold our second son back, August birthday and diagnosed with an extreme case of AHDH- Hyperactive, Impulsive and inattentive. All studies aside, I think boys benefit from an extra year of maturity. I believe that the education system is getting so rushed that we are overlooking the value of learning that takes place from play and the development of the imagination. When I talk to parents who are taking this under consideration my advice is always that I have never met a parent who regretted holding a
a child back but I have met many parents who wished they did. I would always err on the side of caution.</p>