Switching schools can be a discouraging process, especially if the switch is occurring during the school year. It is not uncommon for a family to realize during the school year that their child’s current school may not be meeting their child’s needs. Here are a few tips to help you with your mid-year switch.
- Have a Conversation: Have a conversation with your family about what the problem is at the current school. By understanding what is not working, you will have a better understanding of what change is needed for your child to succeed in a new educational environment.
- Research: Researching schools is the best way to educate your family on what school may be an alternative option. It is important to contact potential schools for information on their program. See if there are any upcoming open house dates to visit the school. It may also be wise to see if a potential school offers shadow days.
- Pay Attention to Dates: Some independent schools do not accept students after the start of the school year while others may have registrations at specific times, and still others will allow students to enter throughout the school year. Here at Randolph-Macon Academy, we allow students to enter in October and January.
- Start the Admission Process Early: While it may not seem like you are starting the admission process “early” by applying for mid-year admittance, it is important to make sure you are working to get all of the required documents in way before before the application deadlines. This will help alleviate additional stress.
- Shadow Day: Like Randolph-Macon Academy, many schools even offer "Shadow Days" where prospective students can go to classes, eat in the caferteria, and stay in the dorms with other current students to get a true sense of what that school is like on a day-to-day basis. After experiencing the school firsthand, your students can decide if it is a good fit as their second home.