Making the choice about when your child starts kindergarten can feel overwhelming, especially if their birthday falls near your school district's cutoff date. Some parents choose to delay their child's entry into kindergarten for a year, even when they're technically old enough to attend.
This practice, called "redshirting," has become more common among families who want to give their children extra time to develop emotionally, socially, and physically.
Redshirting gets its name from college sports, where athletes sit out a season to develop their skills while keeping their eligibility. About 3-7% of children nationwide are redshirted, with boys being held back more often than girls. The practice is most popular among upper-middle-class, college-educated families who have the financial means to provide an extra year of childcare or keep a parent home.
Who Benefits Most from Redshirting
Research shows that redshirting can provide some real advantages in the early school years. Children who start kindergarten later often score higher on reading and math tests compared to their younger classmates.
This advantage is particularly strong for boys, who may benefit from the extra year to mature emotionally and physically. Studies have found that delaying kindergarten can improve college attendance rates and even reduce the likelihood of incarceration later in life.
The benefits seem to last longer for children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Summer-born children, who would otherwise be the youngest in their class, can move from being at the bottom of their peer group to closer to the middle when they start school a year later.
The Other Side of the Story
However, redshirting isn't right for every child. The academic advantages often level out by third grade for most children. If your child has special needs or learning challenges, starting school earlier might actually be better because they can access free services like speech therapy and specialized instruction sooner. Waiting a year means delaying these important interventions.
There are also practical concerns to consider. An extra year of childcare can be expensive, creating financial hardship for many families. Some children who are clearly ready for school might actually be held back from their natural next step. The age gap can also create social challenges - one parent who was redshirted shared that by middle school, some classmates felt "significantly younger" than her.
Making the Right Choice for Your Family
The decision should focus mainly on whether your child is ready for the behavioral expectations of kindergarten, not just academic skills. Can they sit still for lessons, follow directions, and handle separation from you? These social and emotional skills matter more than whether they can already read or do math.
Talk to your child's preschool teachers and visit the kindergarten classroom your child would attend. Some schools have more academic kindergartens than others, which should influence your decision. Remember that you know your child best - a birthday near the cutoff doesn't automatically mean redshirting is necessary.
Keep in mind that this choice isn't permanent. If you decide to start kindergarten on time and it doesn't work out, you can always have your child repeat the year. Children are often more resilient than we expect, and starting school with age-appropriate peers is the right choice for most families.
