Study Finds That Children Born In September Are More Likely To Be Smarter Than Their Counterparts : The Hearty Soul

A study titled “School Starting Age and Cognitive Development”, published in the National Bureau of Economic Research, suggests that September-born children tend to exhibit higher cognitive development compared to their peers [1].

The research indicates that September-born kids, being the oldest in their year group, have an advantage of a year’s worth of development over their younger classmates. The study, focusing on the impact of age difference in school enrollment on academic performance, compared the cognitive progress of September-born children to those born in August, who are typically the youngest in the class.

Analyzing 1.2 million students aged 6 to 15 in Florida, the study found that September-born children consistently scored higher each year in school, attributing this to the additional twelve months they had for cognitive, social, and emotional growth before starting school.

The advantage of being older in the class allows these children to demonstrate more maturity, excel academically, and interact more effectively with others. They also show higher enthusiasm for school, compared to their younger peers.

These findings suggest that September-born children have a better chance of gaining admission to reputable colleges and are less likely to engage in juvenile delinquency.

Leveling up to the Smart September

In addition to age, factors like maternal influence, ethnicity, affluence, and socio-economic status play a role in a child’s academic progress.

The study highlights that some affluent families practice “redshirting,” delaying their children’s school entry by a year to provide them with a cognitive advantage. This delay allows for further mental and physical maturation before formal schooling.

While around 4% to 5.5% of children in the U.S. delay kindergarten entry, disparities in readiness levels between socio-economic groups are observed due to these practices. Families unable to redshirt their children may rely on school systems to provide remedial support.

Whether children are redshirted by choice or held back in school by necessity, the delay to kindergarten entry can have positive outcomes.

Your September-born may already be showing signs of being a Smart Alec

Parents of September-born children may anticipate good academic performance, college acceptance, and lower rates of delinquency based on this study. While the findings are promising, individual outcomes may vary. Proper upbringing and support are vital for all children, regardless of birth month.