For years, teachers and parents alike have noticed that boys often lag behind their female classmates when it comes to school readiness. From literacy to graduation rates, the gap has been growing, leaving many families searching for solutions. One idea gaining attention is “redshirting,” or waiting an extra year before sending a child to kindergarten.
Ioakim Boutakidis, a professor of child and adolescent studies at California State University, says the concerns are loud and clear. After training sessions with hundreds of teachers and counselors, he noted in an interview with Parents.com, “Every single teacher was talking about how boys are struggling. And they all wanted to do something about it.”
The logic behind redshirting is simple, boys’ brains typically develop a bit more slowly than girls’, especially in areas like impulse control and attention. Giving them an extra year could help level the playing field before they step into a classroom setting.
But the research isn’t conclusive. Some studies suggest that any advantages of redshirting fade over time. Others raise concerns that older students may be more likely to drop out or struggle socially when they graduate as legal adults. In fact, a 2013 study found that boys held back a year were more likely to leave school early and even face legal trouble before 19.
There’s also the issue of equity. Astrid Marie Jorde Sandsør, an economist at the University of Oslo, points out that wealthier families are more likely to take advantage of the option. “Parents that have higher socioeconomic status are often more able to argue for and get postponed starting times,” she explains to Parents. “This might be a good decision for their child, but unless this decision is fairly made for all families, you risk having socially unequal effects of the [school] system.”
More recent research suggests delayed kindergarten can have lasting positive effects. A 2018 study linked redshirting to higher college attendance and lower incarceration rates later in life.
Beverly Amico, executive director of advancement for the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America, notes that many Waldorf schools already embrace this approach.
“Research shows that starting formal schooling closer to age seven supports stronger self-regulation, social skills, and cognitive readiness. This is not about holding children back, but about ensuring that each student is ready to learn without undue stress at a young age. This is one factor in supporting the love of learning,” she says.
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. While redshirting might give some boys the extra time they need to thrive, it could hold others back socially or financially. As Boutakidis reminds us, “There’s a lot we still don’t know.” But for now, experts agree that the decision should be based on the individual child, their maturity, their learning style, and their family’s circumstances.
