Is it better to start kindergarden earlier or wait?

You know your son better than the school district does. Do you think he seems ready? I think age 5 by December 1st is old enough. In our district it's age 5 by Sept. 1st, so there are many kids born in October, Nov , Dec that have to start regardless. But since you are lucky enough to have a choice, I would judge it based on his readiness.

I started my oldest daughter when she was 4 because her birthday is in November. She did great, up until about high school, when everyone was older then her and getting into trouble. I think I probably should have waited until she was 5, but then she would have been one of the oldest kids in her grade. It's a tough choice to make. Not that I want to go back in time (god forbid) but I think if I could, I would have waited and sent her when she was 5 instead of 4. Best of luck to you, I'm sure whatever decision you make for your son will be the best!! (wink) :)

Personally, I think pre-school programs are the best. Our first did not attend pre-school, and is poor at academics. Our youngest is in pre-school and we hope for better results.

I think it would be ok to send him to kindergaten. where i am pre k starts at age 4 but they go every day all day so my four year old will be doing as much as your son will be doing in kindergaten. i think our little one's will be able to handle it.

When I started school, the rule was that you couldn't start school until you were 5 by September 1st. I was 5 on September 7th, so I did not go to school until I was 6. This was actually not because of age, though. They allowed me an interview with the principal. However, he felt that I was too shy, and didn't feel as if I was socially ready for a school environment. So, I do believe that if a child is socially ready for a school environment, they should begin schooling as early as they are allowed. :)