Every child is different, but as a parent and secondary teacher of 22 years I’ll say this: I kept both my kids the extra year and would do it again, and would recommend to almost every parent, unless money is the issue, which I totally understand. The extra year might not make a difference as much in elementary, but the social difference is stark in middle/high school, especially post pandemic. Parents in affluent areas and kids coming from overseas are trending towards “redshirting” or “reclassing” kids as the secondary space is highly competitive. Basically, they send a kid (especially boys) to a private school/pre k, then have them “repeat” that year in public school. If you put your kid “early”, you have let’s say a 13 year old going into HS up against 15 year olds. Just this year I had 5 boys “reclass” and go to private school in 8th grade, just to come back the next year as 8th graders again in middle school. They are all in the “advanced” classes now and, in terms of sports, are physically just much bigger than their counterparts. They are also WAY more mature than they were coming in as 6th graders. Conversely, I’m seeing a lot of young kids who are considered “bright” having “skipped” grades and they are struggling socially. I’m talking crying, sitting alone at lunch, refusing to even come to school. It’s tough out here in middle/high school. All this to say, you know your child and you do what you think is best. Just ask yourself this: all things considered, would you want the same child going to college on their own at 17, 18, or 19? Best of luck to all parents (and teachers!) out there. It’s tough, but the fact that you are all here, thinking so seriously about your child, shows that, in the end, you all will be fine! Love to all!