[mcmama]

Originally Posted by mollymae

Proper school in the UK starts the sept after a child turns 4.

In the USA, we start Kindergarten at age 5, and it is voluntary, although most people send their children. First grade starts at 6.

Its a debate in many areas if pre-k should be funded by public school for those who do not have special needs. Although the research supports the need for it, most Americans I find view pre-k as "playtime" - or "preparation" to be "ready" for kindergarten, which makes children "ready" for first grade.

Early childhood education for 4 year olds is an option that people pay for privately most of the time.

In the music school where I was administrator, some of our most talented violinists started at age 3 and 4. It is a fabulous time for learning basic skills, and enjoying it!

[gaby12]

In the U.S, regardless of age, when you graduate from a High School, it is "assumed" that if your are smart you will be going directly to "college". I think that in this age group, many people differ in their development. I, for one, went directly to "college" did fine and finished "on time" BUT i could have used a few years off to find myself. I earned a "degree" that is it - just paper. Worth nothing without additional "degrees"... After my college experience, I did "find myself" and re-entered "college" in a different career some years later and now have a great job where i can actuually support myself and family. So, i do not admire someone graduating from High School early just for the sake of it - unless they are exceptionally gifted, which is quite rare. So, writing a "plan" for these people to graduate early seems short sighted and irresponsible. Possible this could negatively alter a youth's perspective on the world, since we are all not fully developed at that age. I vote for staying in high school.

[browneyes01]

I think it depends on the maturity level of the sixteen year old yes they can graduate from high school but maybe if they are not mature enough to handle college life they should take a year or tow off to reflect on what it is they want to do when they enter in to post secondary education.

[MaternityPregnancy]

I think that is way to early to start college or graduate for that matter! I think there is too much pressure for kids to grow up these days. They need time to be a kid! We start them in school when they are so young and expect them to know so much by the time they get into kindergarten. This is just another step towards taking away innocence and childhood. High School kids should be worring about who to take to the Prom, not what major they should be selecting in college. It is crazy. There is plenty of time to do all that stuff in the future. Kids should be given that time to just be kids and not have to worry about grown up stuff. It is just too soon!

Love,
Maternity Pregnancy

[EvaRose]

I was sixteen when I graduated, and I went on to get my degree by 20. I see nothing wrong with it what so ever.

[ahermitt]

Why would anyone put an age cap on Smart?

The family and individual needs to make these choices.
For a family that does not feel their child is mature enough to graduate, they could look into AP courses to give the student a headstart in college.

[GoldenRaysOfSun]

I hear of many homeschoolers graduating when they are just 16yrs old. I can see how it happens in a state like mine (Pennsylvania). It's laws require a student (including homeschoolers) to have X amount of credits for high school (and in certain subjects). Many homeschoolers get to those subjects prior to the "high school" years, and so they are left with either stalling their children, repeating the subjects or just counting it as "high school". If you count it as high school, then you have to skip up to high school and then you are expected to be done in 4yrs.
Many kids that I went to school with, took college classes in their 11th and 12th grade years. So, I don't think it is too much different from that. They would live at home, take classes, work pt, or what have you. The parents had to supervise the situation, their friends, whereabouts just like any other parent has to. Plus, when I attended public school there were many parties and lifestyle choices that I could have easily participated in, that were similar to college ones.
I homeschool 3 children (ages 13, 7 and 5), I personally plan on educating my children until they are 18 yrs old. I will probably allow the kids to take a few courses at the college though (prior to graduating). I think that it would be good for them.