When choosing a school, parents typically try to plan for the long term success and wellbeing of their child. It is natural to aim to make decisions that will serve your child for many years to come. However, there are lots of reasons that a school environment that seemed perfect when you first chose it may not be right for the long haul. 

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Sometimes, as your child grows, you may find that they need a different approach to teaching, a community with a different social vibe, or a facility with access to different resources than you had originally anticipated. They may need to be challenged more or they may need more support. They may feel they need a bigger school with more peer group options or they may be struggling with social dynamics and need a warmer, more intimate environment. Perhaps they’ve developed an interest in an activity that isn’t offered at their current school. Or, maybe they have received a diagnosis of a learning difference and their current school can’t provide the necessary accommodations. 

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Whatever your individual reason may be, it’s not uncommon for families to find that they need to make a change. However, even if a new school is clearly the right next step for your child, deciding to change schools can still be difficult and stressful, especially if your child is not at an age that would prompt a natural transition – what admissions officers often refer to as “non-entry grades.” The most common transition points, whether your child is in an independent school or public school, are kindergarten, middle school, and high school. But you may not want to wait until the next traditional entry year, particularly if your child is struggling or is becoming disengaged with learning for any reason. So, what should you do? Is it even possible to change schools in a year that isn’t a typical transition point? 

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In short, the answer is yes. If your child is not thriving in their current school environment, you do have options. All schools have some natural attrition, as families either move out of the city or decide to change schools for their own individual reasons. Additionally, schools often have some flexibility in the number of students they can admit, especially as children get older and teacher-student ratios become a little more flexible. However, there are limits and not every school will be able to consider applications for every grade. So the process does require some flexibility and patience – traits that aren’t always easy to muster when you are worried about your child!

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As tempting as it may be to begin by identifying specific alternative schools, the best place to start is always by reflecting on what your child’s needs are. Keeping their individual learning profile at the center will help you stay grounded in the most important priorities for your search, as you move through a process that can be stressful. Focusing on their needs may, in fact, help you identify whether it’s possible to wait until a more traditional application grade. And, if waiting isn’t an option, focusing on your child’s specific profile may also help you see the possibilities in multiple schools that could be a good fit, in case the one school that came to mind first doesn’t have space.

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Most importantly, try to stay calm, open-minded, and optimistic. It is easy to panic when your child is struggling, but they need you to be a source of steadiness, especially when they are feeling unsteady. Reassure your child that you are always there for them, even when there are bumps in the road, and that you will work together to support them and to figure out the best next steps.

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And, of course, if you need more personalized support, Smart City Kids is always here to help.