Do it, obviously.

I missed months of elementary and middle school as a kid to travel the world with my grandparents. Taught me invaluable lessons (not least of which was to work and think independently) which have led to a happy and successful life.

Ignore the sheep drones and their bleats of mindless obedience.

Anonymous wrote:As a private school parent, I don't pull kids out for travel. With the daily rate we're paying for school, there's no savings. And, here in VA, kids don't go to school long enough.

Tis makes no sense. A - you pay the tuition regardless. It's the poster child for a sunk cost. B - I do not go in the off season to save money. (And frankly the savings is marginal.) I go so that we don't spend the majority of each day waiting in lines.

As a private school parent, I don't pull kids out for travel. With the daily rate we're paying for school, there's no savings. And, here in VA, kids don't go to school long enough.

Absolutely!! That fanily time together in Disney or anywhere is way more valuable than a week of school!!

Yes, I would and my parents did for me growing up. Funny thing is-I still value education. ???

Did it last year had a great time.

Anonymous wrote:Nope. And it's considered an unexcused absence at our school---parents were pulling kids out left and right for cheaper tickets for international trips.

At mine too. But this is a meaningless distinction. The school still doesn't care that I do it.

My oldest is in 2nd. She hasn't had 1 sick day since K started. She gets excellent report cards. The school doesn't care. And frankly if the school sent me a nasty letter I'd have some interesting words back to them.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For a wilderness or cultural experience, yes.

For Disney? No.

...says the person who can't afford a trip to Disney.

What a bizarre stretch. My observation of friends and acquaintances is higher SES = less likely to take a trip to Disney.

We did a family vacation to see my parents and couldn't afford flights in summer. October we found a week we could afford and only missed 3 days of school. Saved $2000 on flights for the 4 of us. Got a "nasty" letter about unexcused absences from DCPS. Nothing happened. Go ahead, be cheap. Take 'em to Canaveral and a wildlife tour or manatee swim if you feel guilty about losing educational days.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes, but you have to promise us that you spend the majority of your time in the Hall of Presidents, Animal Kingdom, the things in Epcot that would actually happen (or did), and NO to Hollywood Studios.

And no, It's a Small World is not educational...but the Octoberfest in Germany is a cultural oasis.

Why do we have to "promise"? What's wrong with Hollywood Studios?

What's wrong with your sarcasm meter?

Anonymous wrote:Yes, but you have to promise us that you spend the majority of your time in the Hall of Presidents, Animal Kingdom, the things in Epcot that would actually happen (or did), and NO to Hollywood Studios.

And no, It's a Small World is not educational...but the Octoberfest in Germany is a cultural oasis.

Why do we have to "promise"? What's wrong with Hollywood Studios?

Yup. I was pulled out for Disney (and other travel) as a kid, and have already pulled my kids out (preschool and K at the time) Will almost certainly pull them out next year (K and 2nd at the time)

We are in FCPS. When DD was younger, we regularly went the week the kids have the 4 day weekend near Feb 1. We have done Disney (x2), Universal, Everglades, and visited family.

Now that DD is in middle school, the only optional day she misses is the Wed before thanksgiving (jewish holidays are not optional).

We may go to FL for the four day weekend in Jan, but will add, at most, one day.

Yes, but you have to promise us that you spend the majority of your time in the Hall of Presidents, Animal Kingdom, the things in Epcot that would actually happen (or did), and NO to Hollywood Studios.

And no, It's a Small World is not educational...but the Octoberfest in Germany is a cultural oasis.

Nope. And it's considered an unexcused absence at our school---parents were pulling kids out left and right for cheaper tickets for international trips.