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March 6, 2020

How to Transfer Schools Mid-Year: A Guide for Families on the Move

Every year around 40 million Americans move at least once. That’s 14 percent of the population.

There are many reasons people move so often, ranging from climate preferences to job opportunities. For Americans with children, often moving means transferring schools mid-year.

Switching schools mid-year can be stressful, especially for kids. However, there are some things you can do to make the transition easier for everyone.

Keep reading for more about how to transfer schools mid-year.

How to Transfer Schools Mid-Year

Knowing how to move schools might not be intuitive if you’ve never done it before. The key to understanding how to change schools? Planning ahead.

This isn’t something you want to prepare for at the last minute. When you plan and have everything ready to go, your children will feel more comfortable about the switch.

First, you should determine what school district you will be living in. Then, you should contact them as soon as possible for specific advice about making the change. The new school district will be able to provide information about enrollment and any paperwork you need to fill out.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Keep relevant documents with you instead of packing them
Complete paperwork before you move
Notify both schools of your move date
Email paperwork to the new school
Make sure all immunizations are up to date
Get records from the current school

Involve Your Kids

Keeping your kids in the loop can make changing schools less mysterious and less scary. Tell them as much as you can about their new school and teachers, including when they can expect to start.

If possible, visit the new school ahead of time. If you can’t do this, look up their new schools online with them.

You must show support and empathy during this transition. Try to emphasize the new and fun experiences they can expect to have. If you can, give them practice work to do during the move to keep their skills sharp.

Making the Move

Don’t send your kids to school as soon as you move in, especially if the move is a long-distance one. Give your kids time to settle in and transition.

Moving over a school holiday is your best option if you can arrange it. Once you arrive, let your kids settle into their new rooms and surroundings before sending them back to school.

Make Moving Easy by Hiring a Pro

Knowing how to transfer schools mid-year isn’t the only thing you can do to make moving less stressful. Hiring a professional moving company can give you peace of mind and free up time that you can spend preparing your kids for their new life.

When you feel confident about moving, your kids will too.