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How to Change Your Child’s School: The Complete Guide

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Changing schools can be a positive step but also a challenging one. Read on to learn how to change schools to make sure it’s as stress-free as possible here.

Your boss called you and told you that they’re transferring you to another location. It’s great news for you because it means a promotion and more money. It’s bad news for your child who now has to change schools.

How do you approach this situation without causing a fuss? The truth is, if your child liked their school, you won’t. If they didn’t like their school they may be more than a little understanding.

After you break it to them then comes the task of finding a new school in the area and transferring them there legally. It’s a lot of work. That’s why we’re here to give you a hand.

Here are a few tips on how to get your child into their new school as stress-free as possible.

  1. Reasons to Change Their School 

While moving is the most common reason to change a child’s school, it’s not the only one. There are a lot of little signs you’ll pick up on that will signify that their current school isn’t working anymore.

Your Child Isn’t Happy

Is your child excited to come home from school and tell you all about what they did, or are they a little lethargic? Have you gotten letters home from their teachers stating that they’ve been acting out? Is it a struggle to get your kid to get on the bus?

If your answer to all these questions was yes then it could be that they’re unhappy with their current school. Talk to your child to find out if that’s the case and if the current situation warrants you going through the trouble of changing their school.

The Current School Isn’t a Good Fit

Sometimes it’s less that the child is unhappy and more that the school just doesn’t fit their needs. The environment could be too distracting. Maybe the teachers use methods that your child can’t grasp on to.

Your child could have special needs and the school’s program isn’t working for them. Whatever the reason, they may thrive a lot more if you put them in a new school.

Your Child Isn’t Developing Anymore

If your child isn’t being stimulated as much as they should be academically this could cause them to decline rather than develop. They may stop putting in as much effort not because they’re lazy but because they’re bored.

Sometimes you can get by with putting them in more advanced classes in the school they’re in now. That’s not always an option if the school doesn’t offer such classes. If this is the case, you’ll need to put them in a new school.

You’re Worried About the Child’s Safety

It’s unfortunate but one of the most common reasons why parents change their child’s school is bullying. If you notice other children and even teachers physically or emotionally abusing your child it’s best to get them out of the situation as soon as you can.

  1. Involve Your Child in the Process

If you’re changing their school because you’re moving then they won’t have a choice in the matter but it’s still important to get them involved to make the transition easier. Sit down and talk to them about what’s going on rather than keep them in the dark.

Tell them all the positives about changing schools such as making new friends or participating in a bunch of fun programs the new school has. Keep in mind that no matter how much you sugarcoat the situation they’re still going to have their doubts and worries.

The worst thing you can do is ignore these worries. Address each one with them and see if you can put them at ease a little.

If your child wants to change schools due to bullies or other problems, see if you can go to their current school to handle the issue before you go through with making a change. Sometimes all it takes is one conversation with the principle to fix things.

  1. How to Choose a New School

If there is no avoiding changing their school, it’s time to pick one out. There are a lot of things to consider such as catholic school vs public school. You also want a school that’s going to be in a good neighborhood with programs that the child can get involved in.

The only way you’ll be able to compare is if you arrange visits and check out the schools in your area before you enroll your child in them. Talk to teachers and get to know the principle.

If you’re changing their school because of a problem they had at their last one, ask the principle how they would handle that sort of thing at theirs.

  1. Getting Started With the Move

Now that you’ve picked out a school it’s time to start the transfer process. If you’re moving them to a school within the same district, you might have to do a transfer request. The rules vary from district to district so you’ll need to contact yours to find out more.

If you want to move them to a school outside your district, charter schools and magnet schools both take on such students.

Once you’ve figured out if you can move your child or not, call the school and see what you need to do to start the enrollment process.

Change Schools the Easy Way 

Are you going to have to change your child’s school for one reason or another? It can be a long process depending on the district you’re working with. Use these tips to change schools the easy and stress-free way.

Did this article help you get your child into a new school without any hiccups? Check out our blog daily for even more great parenting advice.

Jeff Campbell