Kids and moving school districts?

Question

I am moving at the end of the school year, roughly 1km inbetween 2 school districts. My daughter, in SK currently goes to one of the schools and is doing well and would like to stay in this school.

However my concern is that all the kids in the new neighbourhood go to the other school and how important is that in relation to making friends in the neighbourhood and going to different schools. Also, she's friends with the kids in her class currently but how likely is she to maintain it when she won't be able to go over to their house after school for playtime.

The other shool is slightly closer to us than the one my daughter currently goes to and she should go to the other school but it has a rough reputation.

We also have a school that is Catholic, right across the street in our new house, which would be so much more convenient but I believe you need to be catholic in order to do so (we are not) and my daughter is dead set against it anyway.

Advice please!

Answer 1

I think the first thing you need to do is contact your current school district.  It is likely that they will not allow her to continue there once you move out of the school district zone.  I had a similar situation.  My son LOVED his school and we moved to a new house mid-year (not ideal).  We wanted to keep him there I was willing to drive him and pick him up everyday.  The district rule was that once you moved out of the district you had to disenroll and re-enroll in the new district.  This has a lot to do with district school taxes.  Since you are no longer in the school zone you are no longer paying taxes for her old school if that makes sense.  Anyways.  BEFORE asking her what she wants to do I would contact the school district and find out if her staying is even possible.  You don't want to purpose an idea to her and then have it not be possible.  Good luck!

Oh and I agree children are pretty resilliant.  My husband was re-stationed with the military recently and I had to take my son out of school mid-year to make the move.  He did great and made friends right away no problems at all.  You would be amazed how comfortable they can get with changes.  

p.s.  On a side note you don't have to be catholic to attend a Catholic school.  They are typically pretty understanding.  The only thing that would have to be considered is at Catholic school your child whether Catholic or not would still have to attend mass during the school week.  You would also have to pay a higher tuition amount being a non-catholic family.  Of course if your daughter doesn't want to attend I guess that doesn't matter.

Answer 2

I think that she should stay at her current school is that is where she woud like to be. I moved house and changed schools when I was young and although it turned out okay in the end it upset me very much and it took a while to make friends. I think the fact that the kids in the neighbourhood go to another school won't affect her, if she already has friends at her school she wont be losing out and will more than likely make friends with them anyway.

If the school has a rough reputation I think that should sort of sway your decision.

I understand that you mmay be worried about this now but whatever decision you chose children adapt quickly so I'm sure your daughter will be fine.

Answer 3

Could you offer to let her stay at her old school for one last year?

That way she can get to know some of the neighborhood kids and have some friends before she starts the new school.  

And it will also allow her (and you) get an idea on how well she will be on keeping some of her closer friends from her old school.  (Remember to schedule time for them to get together after you move)

Answer 4

I gave a thumbs-up to the first ans.

His ans. shows you are giving a choice to your daughter and have a loving  and working relationship.  Unknowingly, she is giving you control if things start to go astray, grads etc. she can be moved to another school.

Giving her a choice makes her responsible and accountable.

Answer 5

If the schools are in different districts, you probably will not have a choice.  Different school districts are run by different governments, and she will not be allowed to stay at her old school.

Even if she were able to stay, I would still encourage you to have her go to her local school.  Children are resilient; she'll make friends wherever she goes.

Also, you do not have to be Catholic to go to Catholic school.  You just have to be able to pay the tuition and behave well enough to not get kicked out.  I know many many many people who went/go to Catholic school and are not Catholic.

Answer 6

if you have transportation to and from the other school i would leave her there.  she may change her mind after the summer with her new friends.  my kids didnt go to the same school as our neighbors and they got along just fine.  if she wants to stay in the old school and if it works for you let her. i dont think she'll lose any friends by not being able to go to there house she can always have them over on weekends or go there. you can always change next year