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Can I Switch My Child’s School Mid School Year?

Can I Switch My Child’s School Mid School Year?

Friday, December 08, 2023

If you’re thinking about switching your child’s school in the middle of the school year, you might be getting some funny looks or hearing why that’s a bad idea. But if changing your child’s school is something that you need to do or would be better for your child, you can do it. There will be a lot of things to take into consideration before you make that decision. 

Transferring schools can be overwhelming, but if you believe it would be better for your child, then why wait? Regardless of the reasons to transfer, it is still a big decision to make, so take a look at this blog to learn more about changing your child’s school.

Here’s How To Switch Your Child’s School Mid-Year

1. Assess The Reasons To Switch Schools

The first step to this process is to really think about why you’re changing your child’s school. Common reasons for school changes include: 

  • Moving houses to a place that would require a school district change
  • Your child is having negative or traumatic experiences at his or her current school 
  • Dissatisfaction with the school’s ability to provide an outstanding education
  • Your child would have better opportunities at another school
  • Your child needs better support at school
  • You need to travel more
  • You need more flexibility

Whatever the reason may be, it may be a wise idea to sit down with your family, or just yourself, to make a pros and cons list for moving schools mid-year. But be sure to include your child in this decision; it definitely impacts him or her the most!

2. Talk To Your Child About This Decision

Once you’ve made your decision to transfer schools during the school year, talk to your child about it. Let your child know what his new schedule is like, let your child know why he’s changing schools, help him through any stress about transferring, and answer any questions he might have. After all, this can be very overwhelming for your child!

3. Pick The Best Time To Transfer

Look at the schedules of your child’s current school and your child’s future school to see when a lengthy break will roll around. If you pick a time like winter break to transfer schools, your child will have the opportunity to learn with the other children at the beginning of a semester.

Summer break is always a good time to transfer schools, but a lot of families might not have the option to wait until summer break. But switching schools before a new academic period starts is the best way to transfer. 

4. Find A School That Works For Your Child

As we said before, transferring schools is a big deal, so take the time to choose the right school for your child. This includes the right TYPE of school. You may be used to in person schooling, but despite its normalcy, have found it lacking to you and your child’s needs. Homeschool or online school may be better options.

Request information from different schools, do online research about the potential new schools, and make sure these schools will work for your child. 

Think about the proximity of the new school to your house, think about education, and you may even want to read reviews from other caring parents about the new schools you’re considering for your child. It never hurts to directly reach out to the school to ask any questions you have or even to tour the facility, if it’s a brick and mortar school. 

Bottom Line: Yes, You Can Switch Mid-Year If It Works For Your Child

Yes, you can switch your child’s school mid-year, but there are ways to do it that will make it easier for your child. Sometimes, it can be better to wait until summer break to transfer schools, but sometimes, that just isn’t an option for every student and their family. 

We recommend trying some of the tips from this blog to make this transfer as seamless as possible for your child, and we wish you and your child the best of luck at their new school!

About Ignite Learning Academy’s Online Program

Ignite Learning Academy is an online private school created to address the unique learning needs of many children and families. Our students are able to structure their day to complete their schoolwork at a time that works for them, and they can accomplish this from any location with an internet connection!

ILA is a great fit for children who are bored in school, have been bullied, suffer from anxiety, have learning disabilities, are gifted, travel frequently, or simply need a new way to receive their K-12 education.

Our mission at Ignite Learning Academy is to:

  • propel children’s curiosity for learning 
  • inspire a passion for knowledge
  • develop independent, inquiring minds and intellects
  • commit to each child’s personalized learning so they can experience a safe social and emotional environment while gaining skills that prepare them for college and beyond

Contact us today to learn more about our online schooling options! Or, come to our Virtual Open House, held the second Thursday of every month at 3 pm EST.