06/24/2026
Research on redshirting suggests that it is associated with a small academic advantage (that is, higher academic test scores) and test scores seem to increase at a greater rate in 1st and 2nd grade (suggesting that redshirted children are showing enhanced learning in these grades). However, this effect may begin to fade as early as the end of first grade. This research is also correlational meaning we do not know whether it is redshirting that causes these advantages or if redshirting is simply associated with advantages.
Research suggests that when your child has an identified disability, a suspected disability, or even if you are just concerned that they may need some extra help in school, you may want to avoid redshirting. In this case, delaying school entry may be associated with worse academic performance, because it would also involve delaying free essential services through the public school system (such as speech therapy and learning support). This short delay may have a big impact as research finds that services before age 5 are more effective in improving a child’s long-term outcome than services after age 5.
All information provided by Parenting Translator Foundation — parentingtranslator.org
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