When preparing your child to move, you will have to gather all important academic records necessary for enrollment in your new neighborhood. Before moving, transfer the records from your child's old school to their new school. The new school will most likely require official, sealed transcripts, report cards and standardized test results. You can request the records be mailed to your child's new school or pick them up and deliver the paperwork yourself.
If you are enrolling your child in a private or charter school, you may require additional information or documents for her acceptance.
Transferring official school records before you move
Here is a checklist of important paperwork to provide to your child's school when you move:
- List of schools your child has attended, including dates they were enrolled, addresses and pertinent contact information
- Copies of all transcripts or report cards with the official school seal
- Official standardized test scores
- Copies of immunizations and recent medical records, such as proof of vaccinations and any prescriptions
TIP: After you gather all of your child's records, make photocopies of these documents for your own records.
Other paperwork you should provide to your child's new school
- Letters of recommendation: Ask for reference letters from some of your child's best teachers and/or principal. You can also request references from guidance counselors, coaches or other extracurricular instructors. If you have an older child with a job, a glowing recommendation letter from a previous employer will impress school officials if you are applying to private schools.
- Course outlines: Have descriptions of important courses, topics covered and text books that were read ready for your child's new school. This will help their new educators have a better understanding of past curriculum and how it relates to what they will study at the new school.
- Work samples: Create a portfolio of graded assignments that reflect your child's best work. This will promote your child's academic abilities for acceptance into a private school or charter school. It can also be helpful when transferring to a public school to provide educators with an understanding of past curriculum.
- Extra-curricular activities: Add to work sample portfolio examples of accomplishments in extra-curricular activities. Stories in the school newspaper, letters from sport coaches and descriptions of your child's involvement in school clubs and groups will be helpful in gaining acceptance to private schools.
- Other hobbies or activities: Make a list of community activities, volunteer work, music or dance lessons and other clubs outside of school your child participates in. Many schools appreciate students that are well-rounded, talented and involved in their communities.
- Academic awards: If your child has won any academic awards or scholarships, you should include them as well.
Finding a good school before you move
Finding the best school for your child when moving is an important task. Be sure to thoroughly research all prospects and gauge them based on:
- Quality of education and student performance
- Ratio of students to teachers
- Environment around the school
- Extracurricular activities
TIP: Don't limit research to the schools your children are attending right away. Think about their future educational needs. That way, you won't need to make a choice between a compromised education as your children grow and having to move house again.
Helping your child adjust to the new school
Adjusting to a new school can be difficult for any child after a move. Talk about it, show support and be patient to help ease the transition. Other ways to help alleviate your child's anxieties include:
- Have a practice run and tour the school
- Meet teachers in advance
- Set up a play date with classmates
- Keep home life routine to instill stability