We understand that the early years of education are crucial for setting a strong foundation for your
child’s academic and social development. Our program is designed to base education on the child's age
and not the grade level. This policy is based on research and validated by our years of experience as
educational professionals.

Traditional Kindergarten Program: This program is designed for children who will turn 6 years old
between September 1st and April.

Transitional Kindergarten Program: Children who will turn 6 years old between May and August qualify
for our Transitional Kindergarten program. This program is tailored to meet the needs of younger
children, offering them additional time for the physical development required for learning in a
classroom setting.

Research indicates that children who are the oldest in their kindergarten class tend to perform better
academically and socially than their younger peers. Younger children often feel less capable than their
older classmates, which can impact their self-esteem and confidence. Their academic progress can affect
children not just in kindergarten but up to 11 years old.

By offering these two programs, we aim to provide an environment where every child can thrive and
feel confident in their abilities. We are committed to supporting the unique developmental needs of
each child, ensuring they have a positive and enriching start to their educational journey.

1. Transition kindergarten is a full day and follows the same calendar as traditional kindergarten.

2. Children will attend traditional kindergarten the following year regardless of achievement. This
class is designed to consider age and development and is not determined by abilities and
cognition.

3. It is considered kindergarten and is eligible for Step Up for Students scholarships. If a child
attends transitional kindergarten and then transfers to another school, they will be considered a
1 st grader.

4. If a child does well in transitional kindergarten and is working above grade level, they will still
not be eligible for 1st grade at Woodland. All children born May-August must attend transitional
kindergarten followed by a year of traditional kindergarten to remain at Woodland Community
Academy.

5. Transitional and Traditional kindergartens have the same standards and report cards. The
difference is that transitional kindergarten considers the child's young age and development and
adjusts the schedule and expectations based on the child's physical development.

6. Parents are sometimes concerned that their child will be bored if they have to attend another
year of kindergarten. Every year in traditional kindergarten, we have children who are ahead
and need a challenge. This is nothing new. Our kindergarten teachers in both the transitional
and traditional classes are prepared to offer challenge and rigor to the students in their classes
that are ready for an academic challenge.

Research

Here are a few articles in favor of delayed kindergarten. Also included are articles that do not fully
endorse the policy. As an educational institution, our mission is to consider the benefits to all children.
We believe that this is a benefit to all children. As a parent, you must consider what is best for your
individual child. With any research, there are outliers, and the results may not apply to all children. We
encourage families to research and decide based on what is best for their child.

Stanford Graduate School of Education Study (2015): This study found that delaying kindergarten by
one year significantly improved children's self-regulation abilities, which led to better academic
outcomes. The beneficial effects persisted until age 11.

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER): Research from NBER suggests that children who start
kindergarten at an older age tend to have better academic performance and social skills in the long run.
The study found that older children are more mature and better prepared for school's academic and
social challenges.

University of Virginia (UVA) Study: This study found that older children in kindergarten classes tend to
have higher levels of self-regulation and are better able to focus and pay attention in class. These skills
can lead to improved academic outcomes and better behavior in the classroom.

Articles That Challenge the Practice

KQED Article on Redshirting: According to research summarized in a KQED article, delaying kindergarten
is associated with an academic advantage, such as higher academic test scores, which can persist to
some extent even in higher grades. However, the effect may fade as early as the end of first grade..
Pros and Cons of Delaying Kindergarten: According to an article on this topic, delaying kindergarten can
result in a loss of potential income for the child as an adult due to one less year of earning potential. It
also suggests that the benefits of redshirting may not be equally distributed across different
socioeconomic groups.