I found this article interesting, about when kids in Europe start school:

The origin of such an early start, introduced in 1870, had little to do with education, says the Primary Review report.

Entering full-time education at such a tender age meant reducing the malign influence of Victorian feckless parents – it was about child protection and social conditioning rather than learning.

And it was an attempt to appease suspicious employers, who were worried that starting any later would remove their supply of juvenile workers. An early start meant an early school leaving age.

The result remains with us – and as a consequence one of the most distinctive characteristics of English schoolchildren is how little time they spend with their family.

How does this impact us as homeschoolers? School in Texas isn’t mandatory before age 6 but as those around us put their kids into preschool at 3, pre-K at 4, then public school at 5 it’s increasing pressure for homeschool parents as they wonder, “Should I start formal academics now?” Knowing that numerous countries do not begin their schooling until seven years of age offers another perspective, as children were not academically ahead of their peers based on starting at 5 years instead of 7 years… and some could argue that a couple extra years of exploration increases a child’s readiness, ability to concentrate, minimizes frustration when they do begin school, and shortens the time it takes for them to grasp concepts (thus increasing their motivation and confidence) because they were developmentally more ready for the work. Hmmm, much to ponder…