At the elementary level, the term promotion is often used to indicate a student has successfully completed the current year and is being moved forward to the next grade level. The term placed in first grade may be related to a child who has been recommended for retention in kindergarten, but the parent(s) want that child to move onto first grade. In that case the child would be 'placed' in first grade versus 'promoted'.

"placed" means that the child hasn't "graduated" K but is being bumped up anyway.  "Promoted" means he "graduated."

Good job!

My elementary child was recently placed in the next grade not promoted.  She had all As and Bs throughout the school year, had perfect attendance, and was awarded for her good attitute.  She was also the top math student in her grade.  However she did not pass the reading end of grade test.  Prior to the reading test the school implemented a program to help students pass the test.  She put in the extra time and successfully completed the program and was reading on grade level by other standarlized measures used by the school.  Placed in the next grade was written on her final report card.  Parents did not request for her to move on but agree witht the decision.