I think it depends on the child. My oldest turned 5 in Ocotber, and so we will start Kindergarten (officially) in January, although if she was in our local school she would not start until July (when she would be almost 6). However, given that she is already reading and doing copywork – she was more than ready to go ahead and start “kindergarten”. (We’ve sort of eased into doing kindergarten type work without really meaning to over the last several months.) But, with a child who is not really ready or interested yet, I certainly don’t think waiting until they are a bit older hurts anything either. In fact, I would say that unless you are absolutely SURE that the child is ready to start sooner i would err on the side of starting a little later.
Jen