we signed a waiver when my kids were small so that they didn't have to have all the vaccinations (Michigan) we had to ask for the waiver form it wasn't offered to us. We also had to prove that they'd had chicken pox, but notes in my anti natal book from the midwife were sufficient.
In both states we have lived in (MI and TX) they require chicken pox vaccine if the child hasn't had the disease. They have also brought in a new reg. in TX that requires middle school students to have a booster chicken pox vaccine in 7th grade (along with other vaccinations but I can't remember what they are!)

Go to www.cdc.gov or aap.com

Depending which state, here they don't HAVE TO have any.
We were selective with the vaccinations and some were delayed. We signed a waiver, it's on the back of the school vaccination record.

It varies entirely by state. Some states allow some waivers, others will refuse to allow your children in school if you don't have them full stop. There is a lot of 'psuedo-science' out there about vaccines so talk to your GP and don't believe everything you hear in a pub about jabs.

Google 'school vaccination' and the name of the state you'll live in and usually you'll find the State department of education listing the requirements. You can also call the school and ask to speak to the school nurse who will probably have some info. Once you get a list and if you have time, get them done in the UK where they are cheaper. I think Hep A&B is one that is not standard in the UK but is in some parts of the US given the high immigrant populations from areas that are more prone to hepatitis.

and a 8 year old more than a 6 year old... where do you draw the line?

Actually I replied to your post about a child being emotionally ready, that is different to being mature.

I believe studies have proven that girls are more advanced/mature than boys so by your argument maybe boys should start school later than girls?

On the flip side it scares the shit out of me that my daughter will be able to get behind the wheel of a car and be out on public roads at 14.5 years

Maturity comes at different ages for different reasons. A 5 year old could be emotionally mature enough to start kindergarten, but not mature enough for first grade, for example.

I believe there is a study on this.....I heard our librarian discussing it the other day, but didn't hear the name of the study.

OMG!! Since when?

14.5 is wayyy too young! I wouldn't let my daughter drive at 14! Maybe start learning at 15...

Thanks for the google info she will only need a hep B but I'm going to get both the hep vacines done anyway before I move to the US as I really don't want her getting them. I'll probably have them done for me as well anyway.

My son had completed reception and year one in London, so in effect he had already completed the equivalent of first grade.

He was 6 years old when we arrived last summer, his age put him in first grade. We decided just to let him start in first grade rather than put him in second as we wanted him in with kids the same age.

He's not been bored and has had to learn a lot of new things (money, measuring in inches and so on)

It's that young where you are?
It's 15.5 here, Ds is chomping at the bit, he passed his class at school and the certificate is proudly displayed on his cork board. He thinks I'm making him an appointment and taking him for his provisional in August

But they can't drive by themselves until they're 16, right? And I know there are a lot of things they can't do......but I think 16 is way too young anyway.

Than maybe the parent should decide... Just because little 5 year old johnny Smith down the road is not mature enough does mean my daughter or other kids are not.

For as long as I have been here... over 6 years.

From the Dept of State website
Another UK/US difference (this has not changed as far as I know) a learner driver in the UK cannot go onto the highway (motor way) however in MI learner drivers are required to drive on the Highway.