Education question...well kind of...

[Welshcookie 17]

My 10 yr old is in his last year at his primary school (UK) moving up to secondary school next Sept. We have been seriously thinking about enrolling him into the base school instead.

We have at least 3 more years here in the UK and my concern is that he will be at an awkward stage not only emotionally but also educationally by the time we make the move to the US. So moving him into the American system now seems like a good idea to me, as it is available to us, by the time we move he will already be used to American kids/culture and be on an equal footing educationally...and hopefully adjust easier to his new life in the US. That is the idea anyway

It is quite a big decision as it will involve us moving closer to my hubs base (but not on it cos he likes to mingle with the natives ) but another positive of moving for me is that I will have better job opportunities (which means better paid and more interesting )

I dunno....it seems like a plan to me, if the opportunity is available why not? I did mention it to my son and he didn't seem fazed about it.....just asked if he had to start calling me 'mom'

[CarolineM 0]

I have to say it wouldn't be a terrible idea.

We have kids transfer in here from DOD schools all the time...and it's an EASY transition. The classes are the same, the curriculum - the format.

When we have kids come in from other countires in their normal schools it's harder. The courses don't always match up- often the kids are either WAY far ahead or WAY far behind...and American schools are so different in themselves.

If you have the option and he's not TOTALLY opposed I'd say it wouldn't hurt. When you move to the states, what state are you going to ?? I feel like I should know that already

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

wc,

Go for it!

[Welshcookie 17]

I have to say it wouldn't be a terrible idea.

We have kids transfer in here from DOD schools all the time...and it's an EASY transition. The classes are the same, the curriculum - the format.

When we have kids come in from other countires in their normal schools it's harder. The courses don't always match up- often the kids are either WAY far ahead or WAY far behind...and American schools are so different in themselves.

If you have the option and he's not TOTALLY opposed I'd say it wouldn't hurt. When you move to the states, what state are you going to ?? I feel like I should know that already

Not really sure where we will end up in the States....but it may be AL if he retires then cos we have a house there....but otherwise going to try for Fort Walton Beach area. That is what I was hoping....that it would be a much easier transition in the long run...thanks

[CarolineM 0]

Well if you're transferring into the Florida school system I'm your girl

J/K but honestly DOD schools are WAY more in line with US schools....so go for it

[Welshcookie 17]

yeh.....I think it's the way to go....I mean he is going to have to go to a new school anyway so now is a great time to do it....LOL, I could've just PMed you if I had thought about it....but at least it got a thumbs up from Gupt too

[CarolineM 0]

I mean, if me and Gupt say it's ok...

Tee Hee.

[Welshcookie 17]

yep....I'm happy....

[homesick_american 1]

The education systems seem to split off into such different directions in secondary school in the US and the UK that it might be a good idea to move him when it would be less disruptive academically speaking.

[Welshcookie 17]

yeh, I thought about that...I mean Maths and English ok (apart from the obvious spelling differences that he would have to get used to) but history? he would be at a loss.....unless my husband coached him some and I am not sure I could subject the poor boy to that

[homesick_american 1]

yeh, I thought about that...I mean Maths and English ok (apart from the obvious spelling differences that he would have to get used to) but history? he would be at a loss.....unless my husband coached him some and I am not sure I could subject the poor boy to that

Well, he'd be behind in US history for sure but it shouldn't be difficult for him to catch up at that age. I bet he doesn't know much less than most American children; history lessons weren't a high priority at my primary school. Plus I think the teachers will probably give him some leeway with regards to history and spelling.

One of my best friends in high school was an English girl from Surrey whose mother sent her to Texas to live with her father when she couldn't care for her anymore (she was dying of cancer). She enrolled at my high school when she was 16 and though it was very difficult for her at first, she adjusted and did really well. The teachers didn't take marks off for her spelling which worked to her advantage since even if she misspelled a word, she could just say "that's how we spell that in England" and they believed her. She did fine in history, too.

[Mirorgate 0]

DoDDs schools are ####### compared to normal US schools (had to wait 6 mos before they were at where I left back then) and the UK education system about 2 yrs ahead of US on average. Bur since hes in that area where friends are as/more important that education.. thats a tough call. keep him there n get the better ed.. or move him to US schl sys so he can get some friends... dunno .. but then, there it is.