Now or Later....Best Age for Changing Schools

Dear T.:

I'm just going to throw in what I've seen, with the upfront I didn't have this issue. My daughter went to kindergarten where she continued on in grade school.

I saw several children who went to a local daycare that offered kindergarten then come join us in the first grade. Every one of them was a little lost. They didn't know this school's routines, they didn't know where anything was and they all were little fishes out of water for the first month. Also, the kids who were there in kindergarten knew each other from the last year.

My two cents is switch sooner rather than later. It's nice to start the harder academics, kindergarten, first grade, in a place you already know and some friends you've already made.

L. F., mom of a 14-year-old-daughter

I've done both. If your son is happy where he is, I would leave him until its time for Kindergarten. Then there is a clean break that he can understand.

I would have him start the other school at the Kindergarten point.

Many private schools with preschool give priority enrollment in K and First Grade to kids who are already at the school. So you have to weigh your options. I think if he's happy where he is right now, it's better to stay there.
However, if your REALLY want to make sure he gets into your first choice school, you may have to switch him sooner rather than later.
Good luck!

I think it is dependent on the school you plan to transition your child. My kids present school is very clicky and the relationships start in kindergarten and it becomes harder to transition within the school the later you enroll. Someone told me it takes 2 years to get your child fully integrated socially into the school...and totally agree with the assessment. I do not think the school's administration is the source but really attributed to the families.

I am not sure if you are a working mom but if not, you may want to look at Campbell Christian Academy as a preschool program. They do a great job getting kids ready for school. The kids only meet a couple of days a week for a few hours but the results are incredible. I wish I found the place years ago. I know people that enroll their kids there along with other preschool programs.

Good luck

When we lived in Louisiana, EVERYONE when to private school. Generally, the sooner you enrolled, the better because otherwise there might not be a spot available. For instance, if they have 40 kids in kindergarten, and they have 35 kids coming from PreK into kindergarten, that means they only have spots for 5 new kids. Also, wouldn't it be more fun to learn the families and kids now than wait? By the time your child enters kindergarten, those other kids could have possibly known each other for 4 years! That's a lot of friendship time and it may be harder for him to join into the group.

Agree with the others to switch at least at kindergarten. You should also check the waiting list of your desired school. My kids school fills up quickly, giving kindergarten priority to parishioners who already have a child in the school, then to parishioners coming from the prek4 program. Check out your school to see if it would be advisable to attend at least their prek4. Good luck!

My son participated in a private kindergarten, but we used it as a stepping stone and a Pre-k experience. He then went on to a different kindergarten the next year.
That said, he felt so excited and "big" to be heading off to school the second time as opposed to staying in his private setting that he just moved into like transitioning previous classes. We made just as big a stink abou it too:)
So, I would be sure he is enrolled and there are no issues in that regard to his being accepted in kindergarten if not previously enrolled. If no problems, keep him where he is and then make a big to-do about the start of new school, new place.

I would enroll in Kindergarten at the new school - if they offer that. If the school you choose starts at 1st grade, then I would leave him in his school until then.