Whether your school year has already started or you are knee-deep in back to school preparations, you may find yourself considering switching your child to a new school. The good news is it’s not too late! Many families make last-minute switches for a variety of reasons, and we’ve got a few steps for you to follow to help make this transition as smooth as possible.
Making a Change
1. Identify your “why”
Before you jump head first into finding a new school, take a moment to reflect on why you think this change is necessary. Is it related to academics, safety, a better social fit, a schedule conflict, or something else entirely? Having a clear understanding of what’s not working will help you and your family identify priorities when looking for a new school choice.
If you have your why but still are unclear on what you are looking for, we can help! Our Family Priorities Quiz is designed to help you identify what matters the most to you in an educational environment.
2. Explore your options
Many parents think that just because the school year is about to start or is already started that they are unable to change schools. While it’s true that some schools may not have any seats available, others will still have space. You won’t know until you ask!
Depending on where you live you may have access to options like other public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online learning, homeschooling, or microschooling. Don’t rule out a type of school before you’ve looked into it – many schools and states have funding programs available to help parents afford making a school choice. A good first step to finding what schools are available to you is searching the schools in your area on our school finder tool.
3. Check enrollment windows and requirements
Once you have a shortlist of schools, reach out to each school directly to find out if there is still seat availability. Ask about their late-enrollment policies, waitlists, required paperwork (academic records, proof of residency, immunization forms, etc.) and transportation. Enrollment varies widely by school and state – we’ve got a full breakdown of the process in our survival guide to school enrollment.
4. Prepare your family for the change
Changing schools can feel like a big adjustment, regardless of when the change occurs. Talking as a family about what changes you are making and why can help ease the transition. If possible, visit the school together and let your student(s) ask questions. A little familiarity goes a long way to easing first-day nerves!
5. Lean on your new school community
You don’t have to figure everything out on your own! Your new school’s front office staff, your child’s teacher, and other parents are all great resources as you make the adjustment to a new education environment. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions!
Remember, changing your child’s school doesn’t always mean that something went wrong. It means that you are doing everything in your power to make sure your child’s educational environment is suited to their unique needs! If you want to learn more about the school choice in your state, check out some of these resources:
