Moving to Boston, USA, questions on schooling

[InternationalParents]

Hello

We have an 7 and an 8 year old, currently in 3rd and 4rth year in UK, and will be moving to Boston, USA, next February. We wanted to know if we can join a local public (state) school mid-year, either in the middle of the second term or the start of the third term.

Any other info on whether we should go for British or American system would be welcome. We're thinking to stay around 3 years, and have heard the US system is slightly behind in primary (elementary in US), but catches up later. If we're coming back in 3y, is it worth staying in the British system or trying to get them into the next grade in the US system.

Also, any first hand experience on areas and particular schools welcome!

I don’t know enough about the difference between the two school systems. Once you know where you’re living look up the school district. There should be instructions to find your school and how to enroll. You can do this even before you move once you have an address. Then the kids start whenever works for you.

Joining mid-year is no problem for public schools. Boston city has a slightly complicated process, but in the other districts you are generally assigned to a school based on your address. Once you have an address, contact the central registration office for your school district and they will get you enrolled. You will need proof of residency (your lease) and your children's vaccination records. Generally the school district website will have a list of what you need to bring.

Generally US schools frown on putting kids ahead of where they're supposed to be by age, but I've not tried moving a child from the UK where they start a year earlier. The school principal would decide grade level.

My DS has been in both British and American schools neither is better or worse than the other but they are vastly different. If there's a British school in Boston and you know you're returning to the UK eventually then that would definitely be my preferred option.
A lot of US kids are held back a year by their parents (particularly boys) so if you pushed to have your DC moved up a grade then it's very likely there would be kids 2 years older than them in their classes. While it might not cause problems academically, the social side can be very difficult with a 2 year age gap in middle school!

If you really want them in the British system there is a British school but it's expensive, and given Boston traffic you'd want to live fairly nearby.

Personally I've been really happy with the US school system. Unless your children are genius level I think they'd be fine with their age group. They'll have a lot of other non-academic stuff they'll be getting used to. (Don't wear a Yankees hat to a New England school and other social niceties.)

Massachusetts has an excellent school system, small class sizes, etc. It's good for children to experience different school systems and lifestyles, and they're a great age to do so. DH and I both went through multiple school systems and I think it made us more open minded, curious, confident people.

I'm a Brit in Maine and am often in Boston. Please post when you have more questions. Feb in Boston is chilly but it'll soon warm up and be absolutely gorgeous.

We are on the West coast and would probably opt for a British school if I had a choice, though that's more to do with very strong bloody Unions keeping public schools closed here - they have way too much power in the US.

Also you need to consider the fact your oldest will have started middle school when you are coming back to the UK. We've made the decision to leave before our DS starts 6th grade as we think it will be too confusing to then start UK high school part way through as they're such different systems.

My own observations of the difference is that the US is very generalist in its approach. There is no national curriculum so States /school districts decide what kids should learn. And there is a lot of testing and emphasis put on the grades they get for each piece of work, even at elementary level. T

I'm in the boston area so feel free to pm with any specific questions on school districts and independent schools.

You can join the state school at any point although it is easier for your child if you join in september at the beginning of the school year. There is a british school in boston - you will pay for it though. If I were paying those fees, I think I would also consider other private schools which don't provide the British curriculum but which can be really fantastic.

Local schools can be really great. A lot depends on the town you live in (not in terms of teaching but in terms of the whole experience). Where will work be based? Whether you chose the british school or a local elementary school, you will find the school provides a very welcoming community.

I'm quite happy about our teachers' unions generally. it was a complete disaster down South where they aren't. Our union made some specific decisions I disagreed with, but the school board is to blame too. The unions were a handy target for some politicians and always are.

My elementary school child doesn't get grades at all. It's just progress towards meeting standards.

Our friends are in Boston. They live in Brookline which was expensive but worth it for the fantastic school. Other friends lived in Cambridge and loved it and the schools too.

Interested to know how the OP got on.. We are moving to Boston in the summer with 11, 9 & 6 yr old and keen to find a house in the "right" area for good schools..
Any early learnings to share please!?

@Bazzerazz

Interested to know how the OP got on.. We are moving to Boston in the summer with 11, 9 & 6 yr old and keen to find a house in the "right" area for good schools.. Any early learnings to share please!?

Have you joined the Boston Brits group on Facebook? They are a big, helpful, very knowledgable group who can answer your questions.