I haven't noticed it as much recently, but my oldest has friends who started a week into the school year a couple years back. It's not uncommon.

This is normal, especially in grades with a lot of churn. (Especially preschool and K, in my experience.) A kid would disappear after the first week of school and a new kid would appear. It stops after count day (early october).

weird, but okay. appreciate the knowledge, thanks!

Yup, that's basically it. But I do think they often let the kid finish out the week.

It will be WAY less of a big deal to your current school than it is to you. They're used to the DC fall shuffle, they see this all the time. My DD was once in an overenrolled K class and the principal assured me it would come down to a normal size, she was right.

If you get an offer after school starts they will walk you through it. You have to submit paperwork so it's not instant. Also the families I've known who did this usually let the kid finish the week at the original school and then start at the new school at the beginning of the next week. It's easier on everyone including the teachers.

The hardest thing about it is the awkwardness with telling the old school you are leaving. But they are professionals and have seen it before. Resist the urge to over explain your decision to them or anyone. Just say "this is what we decided" and keep it light.

can someone help me understand this: it seems that dc public schools often pull from their waitlists AFTER the school year begins (i.e., in september). say we get an offer on tuesday, can my child just show up for class on wednesday? this scenario seems strange to me, so i would appreciate any logistical insights.