Final answer:
August was homeschooled until 5th grade primarily due to health issues and multiple surgeries. His situation required individualized attention and recovery time away from a traditional school setting. Eventually, his choice to attend a regular school was a personal decision he felt ready to make.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student August did not go to school until 5th grade for multiple reasons, especially due to his health issues and the fact that he had to undergo multiple surgeries. These surgeries and his recovery period necessitated that he be homeschooled during that time instead of attending a regular school. Moreover, August's decision to finally attend a regular school was influenced by his desire to make the choice himself, despite his circumstances and the emotional challenges he might face, such as the incident of being bullied in the 1st grade that he overcame by standing up for himself.