Cara,
I am struggling with this decision myself. My boys will be 5 yrs on June 2nd (but not due until Sept. 7th). They have been in a preschool program through the school district since they turned 3 yrs. They have done very well even though some of the other kids in their preschool class have turned 5. I have talked to the boys teacher about this and she thinks that I should enroll them in kindergarten next year. If we don't they won't be in preschool (as there is no way we could afford a private preschool), and she feels as if they will "lose" alot if not in a school setting. The structure of school has really helped, as well as getting to interact with other children.

Our school district also has mixed grades...They have a 1st/2nd grade class, 2nd/3rd grade class and so on. The students in these classes usually stay with the same teacher for 2 years. I haven't had my daughter enrolled in one of them mixed classes but from what I hear from other parents it is very beneficial.

My main concern would be that one day one of the boys would be held back. They are individuals, but being triplets I don't think this would be very good for their self-esteem as they get older.

So much to think about, but I'll probably go with the teachers recommendation of starting them in kindergarten in the fall. We'll just have to see how these next few months go.

Besides talking with their teachers, is there certain "criteria" they should meet before starting kindergarten. I don't think they do any type of testing here.

Good luck to all of you!

Angel (mom to Justin, Andrew, Brandon 9 yrs, Angie 15 yrs)