It’s understandable; in this world of uber-selective private schools, that once you’ve secured a place for your child you want them to stay there through the tenure of the school. After all, think about the stress of actually getting them in. Who wants to go through that again?
But what happens when it dawns on you that this school that you worked so hard to get into, may not be the right fit for your son or daughter? Well, frankly, it’s a bit heartbreaking. Trust me, I’ve been through it with each of my children. There are endless reasons why you might come to the conclusion that a school move is needed, but before you leave, consider the following points.
1. Be sure it’s about your child, not you. You may feel dissatisfied with some aspect of the school – the teachers, the curriculum, the parents, the students in your child’s class, but try to separate your feelings from your child’s. Is your child happy? Challenged? Thriving? Learning? If the answer to these questions is yes, but you are unhappy for some reason, then it may be best for your child to stay put.
2. Be sure you’ve exhausted every possibility. Before you start your search for a new school, be sure you’ve communicated with your child’s teachers & school administrators and attempted to work with them on whatever the issue is. Listen to their observations and be open to their efforts at a solution. It’s much easier to leave when you know you’ve knocked on every door trying to work it out.
3. Take a hard look at what’s ahead. Look ahead to the next few grades. Is there a change coming, like a move from one campus to another, a grade opening up, or a new class that will improve the learning environment or social dynamics enough to remedy your child’s school situation? If so, consider waiting to see if that shift makes a difference.
If you’ve turned over all of the possibilities and decide it’s time to make a move, then it’s time to start your search. Leaving one school and finding another can be a tricky prospect. You may know what you don’t want in a school but may not be sure how to find what you do want. Working with an educational consultant who specializes in private schools, such as myself, can help you find a school that truly is a good fit for your child. If you need assistance during this process, don’t hesitate to contact me.
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