Very interesting thread – as someone mentioned, I think the number of boys who started kindergarten late – has grown exponentially over the years. In our town, it is extremely rare (no exaggeration) to find a boy with a summer birthday who starts kindergarten at age 5. Also, when you add in kids who repeat for any number of reasons (sports, academics, maturity), it certainly can result in higher percentages of repeaters (if you include the late starting kindergarteners.). I do think it is an unfortunate trend, but given the rat race that higher education has become and the increasingly pressure that is put on kids earlier and earlier – being more mature, I think is a positive – of course, at some point – you can take this too far – graduating high school at 20 :-). Our DC did not repeat – many of his BS friends are a year older (and a few JBS’ers repeats) – but we did not feel for
him, he needed another year before starting BS and we feel BS should be a 4 year experience. Personally, I would not hesitate if I had a child who could benefit from an extra year for any of the reasons (academics, maturity, sports) people do it, but I would not do it based on my child’s age and not wanting them to be one of the younger ones – as I think @vegas1’s daughters demonstrate. I also do not think you can game system into ensuring whatever college choice you desire. I would do it to give child best possible
experience to achieve what they desire, but not because I think it will ensure that desire. I also try not to judge what other families feel gives their child the best chance at whatever they desire out of BS. As everyone who has contributed to this thread demonstrates, I think we all have to make the best decision taking into consideration the changing educational landscape, our particular child and what makes sense. And hope for the best!