My triplet boys are in the 2nd grade and in separate classes in school. They have always been separated since starting Kindergarten. They are very competitive with each other so being separated is the best thing for them. Next year our school is discussing cutting the classes to only two 3rd grade classes so that would put 2 or all 3 of them together.

One of them struggles in school and we have considered putting him in private school where he can get more 1/1 attention from the teacher. Putting all of them in private school is not financially possible right now. We mentioned it to DS and he seems fine with it. He always wants to be the different one anyway. Even when I explain that his brothers will not be there he seems fine with it.

Does anyone have experience with not having all 3 of your triplets at the same school? Do all 3 seem to be OK with it?

Thanks,
Shawn

Let me give you my two cents (and they aren't worth two whole cents if you don't want them to!)

My boys are 13 and we've done all kinds of classroom arrangements. Together in Kindergarten, separate classes in 1-3 grade, 2/1 split in 4th and 5th grade, and together for 7th. Now, they are in 8th grade and have six periods a day with different teachers.

My boys all have different skill levels. It's just who they are - different kids who happen to share a birthday. There's no competition between them.

What do you mean by "struggle?" Does he have a learning disability? Just not as "quick" as his brothers? Medical issues? Social issues? Answering these questions makes a HUGE difference into the decision-making process.

Personally, I think your kids are still young. Not stated reason why to really separate them in different schools. The worst outcome is just a 2/1 split which is something we alternated with our boys. The "lucky" one got to be on his own.

Kids go through growth spurts academically. Kids that struggle in the younger grades often catch up to their peers. Kids that have an easy time in the younger grades have more trouble when the curriculum gets more difficult. Just trying to let you know there is a big picture to look at.

I would not separate my kids in different schools unless there was a HUGE reason for it. Scheduling alone would be a nightmare. Two different school atmospheres to deal with. Different schedules, homework philosophies, etc. And I really don't think my boys would like going to different schools. I think there would ultimately be a stigma to it, if not for very good reasons.

Not really enough info in your post to give you a more specific answer.

Best wishes.

Sharon
13 year old b/b/b + 17 year old son

Sharon has some excellent points! I believe kids probably do go through some academic growth spurts and I try to keep that in mind with my 2nd graders. We try and emphasize to our kids that they are each good at certain things/subjects (even though school comes very easy for one of them, medium-easy for another, and not so easy for the third).

Right now, we have our kiddos in two different schools because the school we ultimately want them in had just one opening this year. (We felt we had to take it so that the other two would be guaranteed a spot next year.) It is a bit of a hassle but doable. The schools are about a 20 minute drive apart and have slightly staggered schedules. However, it's hard not to compare the schools and it's hard for me to volunteer at both on party days.

You could always try the two school approach and switch if it becomes too much. I'd say just take it one year at a time. Even if the school claims they may only have 2 sections of a particular grade next year, it's hard to tell. They could have kids enroll at the last minute and have to have a third section.

I wish you all the best with your decision. I know it's a tough one!

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