We told DD (9) now.

I'm curious when people typically inform their young kids of the impending change? Now? May?

Chances are that your school is well aware. In addition to the teacher recommendations, you needed to sign a release months ago so your current school could send a transcript. I am pretty certain teachers talk, and they all know your kid applied out. It's his/her friends you should think about just to make a smooth transition. I don't think any parent will judge you. Kids have left my children's grade before school ends, and I have never heard anyone say a disparaging word.

Our DD is switching between elementary schools for similar reasons to those you listed. I think the administration and faculty will be disappointed when they find out, but I trust their professionalism and I don't think there will be any repercussions at all. DD has told a close friend or two but that's all so far. Those friends are sad but I don't think it's really a topic of discussion so much. The kids do know about shadow days, etc. but I think they live in the moment and don't think that much about next year. I'm not sure what it will be like as the year draws to a close.

Is your DD fully on board with the change? Our isn't but doesn't understand why she will probably be better served elsewhere. It's hard to explain to a young child. Any advice?

We did this for high school and it was no big deal at all.

Anonymous wrote:DC is at a very nice private school but applied to another school for next year, and was accepted. That application was made for a number of reasons, not because the existing school is not a good place. However, we do think DC could be better served at the new school. DC is concerned, though, that the rest of the year at the first school could be socially painful. Has anyone experienced this? How / when did your DC announce an impending departure? And was there any blowback from the school or other students? TIA for any guidance on this issue.

What year is your child? It makes a difference in how you approach it.

DD didn't do a big announcement. We told our close parent friends (and DD told close friends) and it went from there. She was young enough that just being a decision our family made for her seemed to be enough. At the end of the year, they did a sweet farewell to her. Be prepared though; while some of your "friends" might sound supportive, they may judge you and subconsciously wondering about their own decisions. Just stay calm and keep your head up.

Anonymous wrote:DC is at a very nice private school but applied to another school for next year, and was accepted. That application was made for a number of reasons, not because the existing school is not a good place. However, we do think DC could be better served at the new school. DC is concerned, though, that the rest of the year at the first school could be socially painful. Has anyone experienced this? How / when did your DC announce an impending departure? And was there any blowback from the school or other students? TIA for any guidance on this issue.

DC is a very transient place and people are accustomed to students moving or leaving for various reasons. I think it should be okay. You can plan with you child what he/she will say in respond to any questions about it so they are secure with their answer if anyone asks them about it. Keep it simple. Good luck.

My DCs left a PK-12 for a new HS. The classmates were fine with it. Unfortunately, some of the MS teachers were not very nice to my DCs, actually very mean. I felt bad and there was nothing I could do, but it did reaffirm why we were switching schools. Notification - kids pick up on it because they miss days for shadow visits and see DCs talking to the teachers about references. GL to your DC.

DC is at a very nice private school but applied to another school for next year, and was accepted. That application was made for a number of reasons, not because the existing school is not a good place. However, we do think DC could be better served at the new school. DC is concerned, though, that the rest of the year at the first school could be socially painful. Has anyone experienced this? How / when did your DC announce an impending departure? And was there any blowback from the school or other students? TIA for any guidance on this issue.