I have seen many post on the Subject of holding back of Middle School Kids for whatever reasons (Academic, Social Skills and Athletics), and here is my take on it.
I can speak from Experience that I have a boy that is now a Junior, and his birthday is in April. One of the youngest kids in his class.
He made Wrestling Varsity as a sophomore in one of the 5 biggest schools in the state of Indiana, and is in the top 20% of his Graduating class in GPA.
I NEVER thought about holding him back for Academic or Athletic advantages, nor would I. That is a parents choice.
I will however add the fact that I find it humorous when I hear about the social aspects/maturity of the child fitting in moving from Middle School into High School as a Freshman. I find it funny, because the parents didn't think it was a problem in Grade School, or Middle school to be with his/her peers socially, and maturity wise, but now it's an issue moving into High School?? I personally know of parents that have done this for all the wrong reasons (Athletic), and some that have done it for the correct reasons (they didn't realize until Middle school that they child academically was not ready for HS Curriculum, and needed ONE extra year, .....not TWO)
Just a Dad, that has been thru it, and I know I made the right choice, and I am at peace with it.
Cool points, who cares, I have none, and I am cool enough without them, LOL! just sayin'
Panther out.