I had no idea kindergarten wasn't mandatory in California. A "forest" preschool would fun.

The "forest" kindergarten is open for 10 kids, probably only those from well-heeled families. We live in a democratic society that has greatly benefitted from the proliferation of public schools. Support them! In Palo Alto our public schools are excellent. PAUSD, it is time to open the doors to volunteers so parents can see again the good work that you are doing with their children. People can't value something they don't see and understand. RECONNECT families to the classroom through volunteerism. That has always been a PAUSD strength.

Parents, it's time to get back with the program. Young children NEED to be with their peers. Young children need to be exposed to many children from many ethnicities, cultures and many socio-economic circumstances--because THAT is who they will encounter in the real world. THAT is who they will have to work and live with as adults. You can try to "protect" them, but eventually they will have to live independently in the world. YOUR job is to help them become capable and more ready each passing day for that independence. Learning math facts and reading is the easy part of education. There is so much more that your kids are missing if they are not getting interaction with a broad base of peers. Don't blink, your kinder will be an adolescent before you know it. Don't waste this precious time and opportunity for growth.

There is an old saying that the most important things learned in kindergarten were social skills, how to share, how to do whatever is supposed to be done at any given time, how to listen, how to play and how to be a good friend. These crucial developmental skills if missed at the crucial time are almost impossible to learn later if all peers have already learned the skill.

Choices are good.