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Competitive and heavy homework at five? Ugh! We don't do formal school until 7 here. A 5 yr old's job is to learn through play. Is this an all-day program? With no rest time/nap? I can't imagine the emotional stress that must place on the average child, much less one with depleted emotional stores.
It is far easier today to be the head of the class and to be in gifted and talented education than it is to be academically ok but socially behind and trying to keep up. If you have any concerns, I wouldn't hesitate a minute to keep a 5 yr old home another year.
Incorporate nature studies, art and music, a foreign language, handwork like knitting, and imaginitive play. It will help the child develop her self-esteem, sense of place and self, emotional reserve, wonder for learning, and to prepare for the book work that comes with math, writing, etc. You'll find that she'll be educationally and developmentally prepared, will not be stressed or bored from working on the same skills for 2 years in a row, and will make a much smoother transition next year.
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