Six-Year-Olds Struggle to Adapt to Early School Start

Experts warn that sending children to first grade at age 6 can be challenging for their development

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:53am

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The Ministry of Education is considering lowering the school entry age from 7-8 years old to 6 years old, following the example of many other countries. However, child development experts warn that not every 6-year-old is ready for the academic and social demands of first grade, as their brains and bodies are still maturing. They cite issues like children bringing toys to class, getting distracted easily, and quickly tiring out, which can lead to frustration for both students and parents.

Why it matters

The proposed change to start school at age 6 instead of 7-8 is aimed at aligning Russia's education system with global technology leaders like the US, Japan, China and South Korea. However, child development experts caution that rushing children into formal schooling before they are truly ready can backfire, leading to academic and behavioral struggles that undermine the intended benefits.

The details

According to psychologists, the "school core" in a child's brain is not fully formed until around age 7. This includes the development of the cerebral cortex, musculoskeletal system, vision, and psychological maturation. Sending 6-year-olds to first grade before these systems are ready can result in them struggling to focus, understand lessons, and adapt to the classroom environment. Currently, only 5-7% of first-graders in Russia are 6 and a half years old on September 1st, and these younger students often exhibit behaviors like bringing toys to class, getting distracted easily, and tiring out quickly compared to their slightly older classmates.

  • The Ministry of Education is currently considering lowering the school entry age from 7-8 years old to 6 years old.

The players

Vladislav Grib

Deputy Secretary of the OP, who stated that the 12-year-old education system used by global technology leaders like the US, Japan, China and South Korea should be adopted in Russia.

Elena Popova

A pediatrician who explained that the brain's "school core" is not fully formed until around age 7, and that rushing children into formal schooling before this can lead to struggles with focus and comprehension.

Elena Mettus

An expert who noted that the 5-7% of first-graders who are 6 and a half years old on September 1st exhibit behaviors like bringing toys to class, getting distracted easily, and tiring out quickly compared to their slightly older classmates.

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What they’re saying

“In addition to the ability to read, you also need to understand what you are reading about, and for this, certain neurosensory connections must be formed in the brain. The "school core" is formed just by the age of 7. Cerebral cortex, musculoskeletal system, vision, psychological maturation. When they rush to send a child to school earlier, after a month or two of study, the mother comes: 'He learned everything in kindergarten, everything worked out, but at school he doesn't perceive anything!'”

— Elena Popova, Pediatrician

“Yes, because the brain starts to slow down when you have to hold your attention longer than it is capable of”

— Elena Popova, Pediatrician

“They come to lessons with toys because they haven't finished playing, they get distracted, and they get tired quickly.”

— Elena Mettus, Expert

What’s next

The Ministry of Education stated it would need to discuss the proposal to lower the school entry age with teachers and parents before making a decision.

The takeaway

While aligning Russia's education system with global technology leaders may have some benefits, child development experts warn that rushing children into formal schooling before they are truly ready can backfire, leading to academic and behavioral struggles that undermine the intended goals. Careful consideration of the developmental needs of 6-year-olds is crucial before implementing such a significant change.