how old do kids have to be to start school???

Question

i have a three year old (she'll be four in march)
she's dying to go to school
she's potty trained, and very smart (knows her alphabet, recognizes letters and knows their sounds, stuff like that)

when can i put her in school?
do i have to wait until she's 5? and is it worth paying for a "preschool" ?

what are my options?

Answer 1

Usually in the US, the child has to be 5 before starting kindergarten -- in some places, they are admitted if they will turn five during September. Preschool can be a great experience for smart kids. Try to find one where there are structured lactivities, because some preschools are more for play. She doesn't need "lessons," but organized drawing, painting, projects, even singing and physical exercise are very good training because they involve following directings, completing tasks, and getting along with other kids.

Answer 2

I don't know what state you live in but where I live, Preschool is free.
They have preschool in public schools.... I believe it is for 2 hours a day, five days a week.
They start preschool at the age of 4
Kindergarten at the ago of 5

Before paying any money....... find out because even the private schools are suppose to provide free preschool for the same amount of time the public school is providing, Now if you decide to leave your daughter for a longer period of time, then you have to pay. But they're suppose to give you the 2 hours a day, 5 days a week free as mandated by the board of ed.

Answer 3

In Newfoundland you have to be 4 to start kindergarden no ifs and or buts (and like the states this is diffrent for other provances). I think we have a differance in the word preschool here too, preschool daycare and nursery are all interchangable. Preschools just cater more to the toddlers, and they are all paid for privatly by the parents.


You can get her involved in a number of childrens programs to get her use to the structure and routine of school though, my son is 2 and a half and is invlved in The Little Gym once a week, the little girl I watch (who is 2 feb) is involved in Kindermusic, one of the boys (almost 2 aswell) is in swimming. Get her out and interacting with children her age in a structured environment and going into school won't be a big change for her (the kindergardens in my provance are only half days)

Answer 4

in some states she can start at 4 but only if her birthday is before the new year. Some states don't allow this though and you must start at 5, even if your child birthday is 2 weeks after school starts. I was in pre-school also and am now an advanced student but I think it mostly benefits her interacting with other kids and learning to play well / get the school experience.

but as you said if her birthday is in march, this isn't possible no matter how smart she is just because it isn't fair.

Answer 5

She has to be 5 to start Kindergarten. I didn't put my two boys thru a paying preschool. I went thru the school district in my area and had them in a first 5 program. From ages 2 or 3 thru 5 they go (you have to stay with them) and learn colors, shapes, ABC's and other stuff like that. But they also learn how to play and get along with other kids.

Answer 6

Depends on where you live. In Florida there are programs for 18-month-olds.
Is she READY to sit still? Does she mind the first time? Is she a whiner, or clingy to others when you are not there?
Is she able to share and be nice?
Let her be your baby for as long as she can. It will do her a world of good. School can wait. She will only be 3-4 for a short time. Play with her, teach her manners and patience and kindness at home.
Then she will be in high school before you know it.
For options, call your school board.

Answer 7

It is worth paying for pre school if you must pay. Many school systems have a program for 4 year olds - check with your local schools.

The children learn the basics of school at the pre school experience not just letters and numbers! They learn to share, to play cooperatively with others, too many things to list here.

Answer 8

I personally don't like the idea of preschool. The teacher can't be there to solve everything and it teaches kids not to share and things like that.

I think it is an age where kids should stay home with their family and go to the park with a friend.

Answer 9

Most Public schools offer a preschool program ( just like regular school attends). I think with that it would be a great idea to enroll her for school next year. Considering that she is doing so well already with development, it would only further enhance her before 1st grade. Contact your local school district, to see which schools offer the preschool program and they would help you alot. Best of Luck!!

Answer 10

I live in the midwest and the kids around here can't legally go to kindergarden until they are 5. I did put my kids in a preschool when they were 4. they love it. check your local schools and see if they have a preschool program. our's does.