I believe Kindergarten used to be optional... Many teachers and early childhood specialists question the concept of kindergarten for all kids. I believe the fact that both parents work (almost all) is the reason kindergarten got incorporated into our schools.

I'm sure someone will let me know if I'm wrong...

Kindergarten = Children's Garden

Things are a little different now versus 40 years ago. Kids are generally reading by the time they get through kindergarten. Seems like everything has ramped up one grade level and frist grade work now is stuff I didn't learn until second, etc.

That said, I wouldn't hesitate in the slightest to pull a kid out of kindergarten for the second week of class, especially for a family trip that will have much more import to the kid.

It's a far greater disservice to your kid to be chronically a few minutes late to school a couple times a week than to miss a week of class going on a trip.

If your tradition is during the school year...might as well change it now (you have plenty of time before Sep)...or you will be making the same decision again every year for the next 12 years. Relationships made in the first two weeks of school may be nothing...or lifelong friendships. Going in Sept because it is the nicest time of year is selfish. It is not like it is soimething you cannot control like a move or a funeral. Make a new tradition that shows your child how important it is to meet one's responsibilities.

A missed week of school (particularly at the beginning of the school year) should not matter one bit. That's especially true during kindergarten, but heck, it probably holds true for all levels of education including high school/college/grad school.

At the same time, fint brings up a good point. If this family tradition is going to cause you grief this year, what about the next 12? At some point, someone irrational is going to have a cow about it. Might as well modify the family tradition now (or next year), before your kid(s) get too used to it.

My parents made me miss my first week of K, family stuff.

Changed my life.

I think fintstone makes a good point. I assume you like to go on that week because it is less crowded after the kids go back to school. Well, with kids come sacrifices. This would be a trivial one. That said, it's only K so this year, go and don't have a second thought.

What a bunch on ninnies that think this is an issue...go on vacation; have fun; teach the kid about sea creatures and the tides. Seriously, if you think this is setting the wrong message for a kid, you are missing the amazing benefits and learning opportunities that this trip will provide. I would rather teach my child things that I deem as important than totally relying on a system that is designed for the least capable student to keep up.

Do it!

It's easy for us, our daughter is home-schooled and trips out of season are easy. The "educational" value of family vacation outweighs a week in public school in volumes.

Some have said otherwise and I serve for people's rights of speech and every other right but I remain.