Vacation During School Year

[Anonymous]

Hi. Bit of a random question, but our child is currently in first grade and we are looking to make a switch to private. We have an annual vacation that we usually do a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving, meaning often while school is in session. We know we have a limited time while our kids are really young where they can “afford” academically to miss a full week of school, and we know how to handle this in public schools. My question is how private schools typically react/respond to kids missing school for travel? Frowned upon? Supported (either “go on vacation and have fun” or “here’s some work to do to stay sharp”)?

I guess I’m just curious as to whether this kind of thing is common/easy to navigate? And yes, before someone flames me, I absolutely recognize how frivolous this question is. We would of course stop doing it if it was going to pose problems administratively or put the kid at a disadvantage academically - neither of which have been true in the public so far.

[Anonymous]

Our experience is that it is typically frowned upon. Teachers generally don't enjoy having to accommodate parents and students who prioritize vacations.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Totally fair. Appreciate the perspective.

[Anonymous]

My experience is that tacking on a day before or after a long weekend is not a problem. Teachers are accommodating. But I think you will get less cooperation for a whole week off and as your kid gets older this will be harder and harder academically. Private schools tend to have longer winter and summer breaks so think about rescheduling your vacation to those times.

[Anonymous]

I think the answer would be the same in public and private- it’s not a huge deal when they’re young. It’s frowned upon when they’re older. At what grade is a little dependent on the teacher. I think this will be your last one. Hard for kids to miss a full week of school by 5th grade for sure. 2nd-4th are *probably* ok but it’s still bit great for the teacher or kid.

[Anonymous]

I mean…. of course it’s frowned upon. The question is, will that make you uncomfortable enough that you won’t go? Only you can answer that. It’s not like they can stop you. But if you want them to cheer you on, that is not realistic.

[Anonymous]

I missed a full week of school in February of my senior year (and I went to a very rigorous private). The school had no problem with it, but I had a lot to keep up with - namely because my AP exams were less than two months away. It all worked out. It was a life-changing trip and I'm so glad I went. Even if it did mean I was doing homework the whole time.

[Anonymous]

I think the biggest thing is not to be demanding about needing things from the teacher because you are doing this. ie. Either expecting that school work will be sent with you, or that the teacher will spend extra time catching your child up when they return. Odds are that the teacher will do one or both of these things, but it's all in how you approach it.

[Anonymous]

Teachers are likely to be supportive if it's a major event that you can't control the scheduling (an aunt or uncle's wedding, a grandmother's 90th birthday). They will not be supportive if you just feel like taking a vacation when school is in session.

[Anonymous]

I agree with PP. I would take the trip unless your child is a junior which is just such a tough year to miss even a day. Our child has had to miss school for various athletic things. One thing to remember is not expect teachers to have to go above and beyond. Your kid should have their work organized or if little then you should have it organized.

[Anonymous]

A long weekend here or there is fine, but a week will be a lot of missed work. Our school does not send work with you-it is up to you to make up the collected work upon your return.

[Anonymous]

We always have in the lower grades and it's never been an issue. When you get to MS and HS it gets harder to do this. Not impossible but harder and definitely not a week.

Many families do this at our school.

[Anonymous]

Many privates already have a whole week off at Thanksgiving as well as a four or five day weekend in October for Fall Break. Taking more vacation time will not win you any points.

[Anonymous]

What private is off all week Thanksgiving?

[Anonymous]

I fully support this for elementary. Just please don't ask me to reproduce every assignment (I find they are never completed anyway). A few prioritized assignments or catch up are fine. Enjoy the family time and new experiences. - elementary school teacher