Moving With Kids: Schools, Records and Settling In

Military kids change schools far more often than their civilian peers. A little preparation makes every transfer easier.

Talk about the move early

Tell children about the move as soon as it is certain and let them help with age-appropriate decisions, such as how to decorate a new room. Acknowledge the sadness of leaving friends. Plan ways to stay in touch with old friends, and look up activities at the new location they can look forward to.

Choosing a school starts with choosing a home

In most U.S. districts, your address decides which school your child attends. Before signing a lease, call the school liaison at the gaining installation. They can explain district boundaries, magnet and charter options, DoDEA availability, homeschool rules and special programs.

Gather the records

Before leaving the current school, collect:

• Report cards and transcripts, including course descriptions for high school.
• Standardized test scores.
• Immunization records.
• IEP or 504 plans and recent evaluations.
• Gifted program documentation.
• Withdrawal forms.

Hand-carry copies. Official records can take weeks to arrive.

Use the military children's compact

All 50 states and DC belong to the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. It helps with:

• Enrolling using unofficial records while official ones are sent.
• Placement in similar courses and programs.
• Time to get required immunizations after enrolling.
• Flexibility on graduation requirements for students who move in their junior or senior year.

If a school does not apply it, ask the school liaison or your state's compact commissioner for help.

Special education

The new school must provide services comparable to the existing IEP until it adopts the old plan or creates a new one. Bring the full IEP and recent progress reports, and make sure your family is enrolled in EFMP if required.

Timing matters

If possible, arrive before the school year begins. If you must move mid-year, contact the new school before arrival so a schedule is ready.

Help them settle

• Sign up for a sport, club or scouting group early.
• Ask the school if it has a student-to-student welcome program; MCEC supports these in many schools.
• Use the free Tutor.com for military families if your child needs help catching up on curriculum differences.
• Watch for signs of stress and reach out to a Military and Family Life Counselor, who can meet with children confidentially.