There are 3 level to this:
- kid is in school early (Graduate at 17)
- kid is in school in the optimal grade (Graduate at 18)
- kid is in school and can not repeat grade and compete (hold-back) (Graduate at 19)
There are about 10 different variables that go into parents holding their kids back. Some parents weight variables higher than others! There is no right answer, but simply what is BEST for the kid!
Every situation is different!
In my situation, my son was put in school too early (category 1 on this list). In the 2nd grade he was doing poorly on the educational pillars (Math and Reading). So after winter break, we decided for him to be put back in the 1st grade putting him, using my verbiage, in the optimal grade. Optimal may not be the best term to use in this situation, just what i came up with.
Again, every situation is different. As a parent who has worked in schools for over the last 24 years as a coach and/or staff member, I see parents (especially males) putting their kids in school later more than in the past.
Best wishes to all!