http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/401412/How-do-I-advocate-for-my-child-to-enter-kindergarten-early My son has an October birthday - which has him starting almost 2 years from now! He is super bright and has been cognitively ready for school since the age of 2! He is socially bored over stimulated by the other kids in a daycare environment where not enough energy is spent on focused learning activities. He thrives when he is learning. He is pre-reading, early math skills, counts to 90, and backwards, knows all of his colors/shapes etc, is starting to spell words and writes very well. He is just SO READY for school! As his mom I know this in my heart of hearts - but I keep getting the "our policy is..." I'm sorry but one size fits most is not going to work for every student. When I was in school we had gifted and accelerated programs. Now the only specialized programs I can find are for special needs & remedial students. I agree these programs are needed - but not in dropping all programs for students who need an extra challenge! Any advise is appreciated. Opening Doors :) GreatSchools en-us sunshinemomma is homeschooling an option for the next year? they have tons of homeschooling resources at the library. then once he is of age he can be tested. i mean he ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/401412/How-do-I-advocate-for-my-child-to-enter-kindergarten-early?cpage=1#comment_403871 5100.403871 Mon, 13 Apr 2009 08:00:28 -0700 healthy11 Lizzy04, it might be better to start a new discussion, and categorize your question locally for Sarasota, or even better, call your local school district and ask them directly. http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/401412/How-do-I-advocate-for-my-child-to-enter-kindergarten-early?cpage=1#comment_402865 5100.402865 Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:13:05 -0700 Lizzy04 Thank you for this response, it has helped me with the decision to let my daughter not enter K until next year. She will be 5 yrs. on 9/25, she ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/401412/How-do-I-advocate-for-my-child-to-enter-kindergarten-early?cpage=1#comment_402773 5100.402773 Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:37:09 -0700 healthy11 There have been several past discussions of people who have found themselves in similar situations, and some have gotten private testing done, but the public schools still will not make ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/401412/How-do-I-advocate-for-my-child-to-enter-kindergarten-early?cpage=1#comment_401786 5100.401786 Wed, 08 Apr 2009 19:16:17 -0700 mspossible Hey NWmom, Another option. If the local school will not comply with your request to have your son tested for early entry, check with privite schools to do the testing. ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/401412/How-do-I-advocate-for-my-child-to-enter-kindergarten-early?cpage=1#comment_401697 5100.401697 Wed, 08 Apr 2009 17:11:49 -0700 NWmom_04 Thank you! This is helpful! I feel like 6 months ago I was okay with waiting - but he has grown/matured socially so much in the last 6 months that ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/401412/How-do-I-advocate-for-my-child-to-enter-kindergarten-early?cpage=2#comment_401505 5100.401505 Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:44:43 -0700 mspossible Dear NWmom,I had the same dilema with my daughter, now 8. It was difficult but we were successful gaining entry into the early enrollment program at age 4. However, I ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/401412/How-do-I-advocate-for-my-child-to-enter-kindergarten-early?cpage=2#comment_401473 5100.401473 Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:12:51 -0700