How Can I Keep My Child in the Same School if I Move?
Alex is the founder of 9Kilo Moving, which he started to help people easily find and choose the right moving company to make their move as stress-free and seamless as possible. He has spent over 20 years working in the moving industry, so he knows every aspect of the business and uses his knowledge to write about the industry and give moving advice. More on about us page
One of the biggest challenges that come with moving with a family is making sure your children cope well. This includes helping them with getting settled and making acquaintances, all while making sure their academics don't take a hit. Of course, moving houses means you’ll mostly have to change schools too. But, what if you don’t want to? This question is probably something you’ve been mulling over: how can I keep my child in the same school if I move houses?
The easy answer is, it depends. There are many factors that decide a student's enrollment in a school. However, you need to remember that there are a lot of bureaucratic and legal variables to consider, and figuring them out isn’t a bed of roses. Keep on reading to understand what works and what doesn’t work for you in a situation like this.
See also: 11 Tips for Moving During the School Year with Children
Understanding Funding
Before we delve into the nitty-gritties of the topic, you need to make sure you thoroughly understand how schools are funded, and why this matters. In the US, children attend public schools free of cost as the schools receive their funding partially through the property taxes collected by the state.
Since your child’s education is funded in part through your property tax, the school zone and school district you live in make a huge difference. To put it simply, if your property taxes are going to a different school district than the one your child is enrolled in, your child’s school does not receive the funds to accommodate their education. Plus, your child has to go to the school your property is zoned for. This means you won’t be able to send your child to any K-6 school of your choice, even if it is in the same school district.
This is done to ensure that all public schools receive enrollments, instead of a few selective ones that are preferred by the parents. Otherwise, all the parents in the district will enroll their children in a few selective schools, leaving all others essentially empty and defunct.
However, don’t lose hope just yet. There are a few ways you might be able to retain your child’s admission in their old school. However, as mentioned above, it’s not going to be easy.
Same District, Different School
One of the biggest factors that decide what school your child goes to is the location of your house. If you are moving to a different house in the same school district, you might not have to change schools at all. This would be even easier if you move across town but remain inside the same school zone.
If your new location is inside the same school zone, your child will mostly have no problems retaining their admission in their current school. You’ll just have to inform the school authorities about the change in address. Moreover, most schools make that process easy by letting you declare the change in address with a simple notice. This notice generally contains the student’s information like their name, age, grade, parents’ contact information, both addresses, and proof of the new address being inside the school zone.
If you plan on moving to a different school zone in the same school district, this might be a very different scenario. In most cases, if the address of the student changes to a different school zone, the student will only be allowed to attend their current school for the ongoing year. After that, the student will have to attend the school they will be assigned to (one in the same district but in the zone of the new home) for the next academic year.
Depending on the school district, you might be able to retain your child’s admission in the old school by asking the school for an intra-district transfer. In this case, even though your child has been a student of the school all along, they’ll be transferred ‘back’ to their old school from the school they had been assigned to in your new location and school zone.
However, this is entirely up to the school and school district. If the school finds your children to be well-behaved, high-scoring students whose parents ensure their transport to and from the school, the officials may let them stay enrolled in their school.
The process for retaining your child’s admission can get quite taxing, though. You will have to fill in a lot of paperwork, appear before a board appointed by the school, and place your reasons for wanting your child to study in their old school. If you present a convincing case to this board, your child gets to stay in their old school!
One schooling ‘hack’ is that you can ask for an intra-district school transfer even after you move to a different school district. In case you don’t like the school your address is zoned for, you can approach the principal of a different school and ask them to let your children attend. As long as the school you want to transfer to is in the same school district, you can have your children attend any school. But do note, this won’t help you keep your child in the same school–it only gives you a bit more leeway to choose a better or equally good school for them.
Also Read: How to Find Best School for Your Child When Moving
Different District, Same School
Often, people will tell you that it is impossible to keep your child enrolled in their old school once you move out of the school district. The good news is, they are wrong. The process to retain your child’s enrollment in their old school gets complicated, lengthy, and overall difficult. But, it is possible.
The first thing you need to realize is that you’ll have to request a school district to let a resident of that area attend a school from a different district. This, in essence, would mean asking them to transfer a portion of their funds to a different school district.
‘How would that work’ you ask? Well, when a school district accepts an inter-district transfer, they have to forward the funds they collect through your property tax to the school district your children will go to. Once again, you’ll have to go through a complicated process of application and appear before a board. However, if you can present a convincing case in front of the board, your child might just be able to keep on going to their old school.
If you want to avoid that hassle, you can offer your old school district, or any district of your choice if we’re honest, to pay for your kid’s tuition in order to let them attend a school in that area. However, the cost of tuition in a case like this will be over your property taxes and you still might have to face a board in order to get this arrangement working. Again, it’s a difficult process, but it does work sometimes.
Regardless of which way you choose, you’ll have to go through a complicated paper trail. This will consist of a completed copy of the inter-district request form, along with copies of your child’s transcripts, report cards, discipline, and attendance records. You also need to make sure that your child maintains the standards you set during this process. Otherwise, their transfer can be revoked and they will have to come back to the school in their new district of residence.
Lastly, your request for transfer has to be approved by both school districts. Since each school district has its own set of rules and regulations, you need to make sure that your paperwork is suitable for both school districts. One of the easiest ways to gain some direction in this matter is to speak to the Superintendent’s Office in your old school district.
What Happens If I Don’t Tell The School?
Not declaring the change in your address might work and could just seem like a great idea. However, all schools require you to provide a residential address from within the school district in order to mail information and documents to you.
You may think that using an acquaintance's address from within the school district, or a P.O. box might work, but we suggest against it. The bottom line is, if you get caught attempting to defraud the school district, you will face stiff punishments and fines. Worse still, your child’s enrollment will be scrutinized, if not suspended entirely.
See also: Pros And Cons Of Buying A Home Near A School
What About Kids With IEPs?
Individualized Education Programs, or IEPs, are created by the school district for students with disabilities and/or special needs. However, IEPs are maintained by districts and the possibility of them being carried over to a new school district is slim. Moreover, there is no special consideration for students with IEPs. They have the same exemptions and same opportunities with the added challenge of retaining their IEP.
Usually, a student with an IEP will be allowed to attend their new school with the terms of their IEP staying ‘as-is’ for 30 to 60 days. If you have moved to a different school within the same district, chances are your child might be able to hang on to their IEP. However, if you are moving to a different district altogether, the district will re-evaluate the IEP. At this point, they may decide to make any changes they see fit.
But remember that you can dispute any changes made to your child's IEP. The school district needs to inform you of any proposed changes and provide you with valid reasons for the same in a Prior Written Notice, or PWN. If you disagree with anything in the PWN, you can take it up with the school district.
Once you do bring up a dispute regarding your child’s IEP, the school district cannot implement changes to the existing IEP, or enact a new IEP, before dissolving all points of dispute with you. While we suggest you try and go through this dispute amicably, we also suggest you keep a good lawyer's contact information handy.
Chart A Map To Charter Schools
Even though charter schools are funded by the state, they are privately managed. This means that they have a lot of control over their functioning, including the proximity of their services. Charter schools are not bound by the school districts and can retain students, regardless of where they live. Retaining your child’s enrollment when it comes to charter schools should be a breeze.
In fact, most charter schools give preference to returning students. This can work perfectly if you’re moving back to the same region and want to transfer your kid back to their old school from a different district. This might automatically give your child an edge in the process of getting themselves enrolled again.
The only caveat in this scenario is that some states do require their charter schools to give preference based on the distance of their students’ residences. In such a case, you might be at a disadvantage if you’ve moved far away. So, do your research about the laws and regulations regarding charter schools in your state (and the one your child is enrolled in as well) before you decide to move.
See also: Our updated list of best out-of-state movers in the country.
Summing Up
Every parent will have their fair share of reasons for not wanting to change their child’s school, and we get it. However, as a parent, the first thing you need to realize is the amount of pressure your child would be in regardless of which school they go to.
After everything, if you decide to try and retain your child’s admission in their old school, make sure you have the patience to get through the process. Who knows, the fact that you’re not changing this one thing in your child’s life, while everything else changes, might just be what they need.
Here Are the Best Long-Distance Movers in the Area
Bellhop Movers
- GPS tracking
- 4.8-star average rating
- Can handle smaller moves
American Van Lines
- Flat rates
- Piano moving
- Licensed Insured by DOT
- Background-checked movers
VanLines Inc.
Intro
Looking to move soon? Look no further than Van Lines Inc.! Van Lines Inc. is a nationwide moving broker based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Established in 2001 by owner Efraim Balila who has over 20 years of experience in the industry, they specialize in a wide range of moves, from residential to commercial and industrial equipment relocations.
No matter what you need moving, Van Lines Inc. has the people and equipment to get you there. They're about more than just getting your belongings from point A to point B.
They go the extra mile to ensure your move is stress-free by providing a personal moving coordinator for each client, ensuring open communication. And with proper licensing and insurance, you can trust that your belongings are in good hands.
But what if you have fragile or high-value items that need extra care and protection? Van Lines Inc. offers exceptional white-glove moving services by highly trained professionals who have been thoroughly vetted. Yes, these services come at a premium price, but the extra care and protection they provide are well worth it.
Despite facilitating over 200 moves a week, Van Lines Inc. doesn't treat you like just another number. They take pride in providing personalized attention and care to each customer. So, whether you're moving across the state or the country, trust Van Lines Inc. and let them take care of the rest.
Services
- ➡️ Long distance moving
- ➡️ Packing and unpacking services
- ➡️ Specialized moving
- ➡️ Vehicle shipping
- ➡️ Moving insurance
- ➡️ Short and long-term storage
- ➡️ Moving supplies
- ➡️ Corporate relocation services
Pros
- Free quotes
- Holds its partner carriers to a high standard
- Transparent about pricing
- 24/7 customer support chat
- Nationwide availability
- Experience in moving high-value items
- Highly trained movers
- Moving supplies delivered to your door
Cons
- Third-party movers used, so quality can vary
- Deposit required
- No ball-park estimates
- Unaccredited with the BBB
Why We Recommend Van Lines Inc.
➡️ Great support during a stressful move
One of the reasons we recommend Van Lines Inc. is because they provide a lot of support for customers during what can be a stressful move.
From the start, a dedicated moving assistant supports you through the initial consultation to unpacking the last box. They’ll tell you what to expect throughout the process, so you’re never caught off guard.
Van Lines Inc. works hard to prevent the horror stories that are too common in the moving industry. Their team of experts serves as the go-between between you and the moving company, ensuring that your needs and expectations are always met. Customers are constantly kept informed and up to date on the progress of their move.
After your move is complete, Van Lines Inc. will continue to communicate with you to ensure that everything went smoothly and that you’re completely satisfied with the service provided.
➡️ A la carte moving packages
Van Lines Inc. offers a range of flexible moving packages that can be customized to handle as much or as little as you need. Whether you’re a senior citizen with priceless china that need to be carefully crated or a business that needs to move across the country, Van Lines Inc. has the resources to help you.
Their consultants will take the time to listen to your concerns and preferences and will work with you to build a personalized moving plan that meets your needs – ranging from a full-service moving experience to handling some aspects of the move yourself.
This customized service means you can have peace of mind knowing you’re working with a company that genuinely cares about your moving experience.
➡️ Nationwide availability
From New York to California, Florida to Alaska, and everywhere in between, Van Lines Inc. can handle moves of any distance.
Their extensive network of resources and partners ensures they can provide seamless and efficient moving services to customers nationwide.
With Van Lines Inc., you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re working with a company that truly understands the complexities of long-distance moving and has the resources to get you there, wherever “there” may be.
| 🏆 Customer opinion “We were able to book them at the last minute to move from Boston to Miami when another moving company did not show up. The customer service was perfect. They arrived on time and gave me a call when they were heading over so I knew to be ready. They packed up my goods very carefully, disassembled my furniture quickly without breaking anything, and took safe care. They arrived at the new location 7 days after pickup and were able to unload my goods extremely fast as well. They put all the boxes where I asked them to, and they put my furniture back together extremely fast and arranged my room the way I wanted. I would recommend them to anyone who is moving.” Yaron Baker |
Midland Van Lines
Intro
Midland Van Lines is a family-owned and operated business, and moving long distances is their specialty. Every year they help thousands of families move across the U.S.
Experience and going the extra mile set them apart from other national moving services; Midland Van Lines boasts a highly skilled and knowledgeable team with 15+ years of experience in interstate moving.
Midland Van Lines is ideal if you want to spend a little more to enjoy a seamless moving experience. They offer comprehensive moving services to fit your unique needs. Don’t worry if you don’t have an unlimited budget. If you book early with Midlands, you can receive up to 40% off the price of your move.
They are also well known for their white-glove professional moving services, great customer service, and innovative use of technology; the company has garnered an excellent reputation as one of the best in the business.
Services
- ➡️ Long-distance moving
- ➡️ Packing service
- ➡️ Specialized moving
- ➡️ Moving insurance
- ➡️ Commercial moves
- ➡️ Nationwide availability
Pros
- Free Date Changes
- Providing the Best Combination of Price and Service
- Owns and Operates Their Own Fleet of Trucks & Semi-Trailers
- Customer Service Support 7 Days Per Week
- Experts in long-distance moves
- Experts in moving high-value items
Cons
- Must Request Quote to Learn About Pricing
Why we recommend Midland Van Lines
Customizable moving options
A one-size-fits-all approach may not work for everyone, as each individual or family has different requirements when it comes to moving. To go the extra mile for their customers, Midlands Van Lines provides personalized moving solutions.
A representative from Midlands Van Lines will create a customized plan to tailor their services to match your specific needs, including packing, storage, or additional services.
This level of personalization can make the transition to your new home smoother, as you can trust that everything is being taken care of in a way that fits your lifestyle and budget.
White-glove moving services
With Midlands Van Lines; you can expect nothing but the best from start to finish. Their team of highly trained and experienced professionals will handle every aspect of your move with white-glove care, ensuring that your belongings are transported safely and securely.
Midland Van Lines can also take on more unique or complex large homes or commercial space relocations. They are well equipped to transport heavy and valuable items like large furniture, antiques, and even priceless art.
It doesn’t stop there. They offer secure packaging and complete crating solutions for your high-value items. Also, Midland Van Lines is insured for up to $200,000 in the unlikely event of property loss or damage.
Full-service moving option
If you're looking for a genuinely luxurious moving experience, Midlands Van Lines provides a full-service moving package.
With this comprehensive package, you can expect a team of highly trained professionals to take care of everything, from packing your belongings to unloading them at your new home.
Midlands’s experienced movers will care extra for your high-value items if needed.
In addition, they offer concierge services such as unpacking and setting up your new home, and arranging for storage solutions for any items you may not want to bring with you.
With a full-service package, you can relax and let Midlands Van Lines take care of every detail, ensuring a seamless and stress-free relocation.
“I thought moving would be a disaster because I hired a moving company that I had no knowledge about. I expected the worst and just went on with it. But I did not know this moving company would impress me instead. They were amazing! All the people were professional, efficient and caring. They moved all the furniture very nicely and gently. They returned everything the way it was. Plus, their rate was very low and reasonable. I ended up with a great moving company! I highly recommend Midland van lines to all.”
Philip R.
Metro Hop Relocation LLC
Intro
Metro Hop Relocation is one of the best cheap moving companies.
They are a fully licensed interstate moving broker with a deep understanding of the challenges and stress associated with moving.
Metro Hop Relocation strives to provide customers with a hassle-free and straightforward relocation experience. Their competitive pricing is ideal for budget-conscious customers.
As a professional interstate moving brokerage, Metro Hop Relocation offers comprehensive moving services, and a personal moving consultant will handle every aspect of the process from start to finish. This includes organizing and coordinating the entire move, ensuring that clients can focus on the excitement of their new journey rather than the logistics.
Currently, Metro Hop Relocation specializes in long-distance moves and corporate moving services, catering to the unique needs of individuals and businesses alike.
Services
- ➡️ Long distance moving
- ➡️ Commercial moving
- ➡️ Vehicle shipping
- ➡️ Moving and packing services
Pros
- Personal moving assistant
- Responsive and attentive customer care
- Affordable rates
- Established list of vetted nationwide moving partners
- 5.0 stars on Google Reviews
Cons
- No instant quotes
- Third-party carriers are used, so quality may vary
- Does not do local moves
Why we recommend Metro Hop Relocation
Affordable moving services
Metro Hop Relocation is committed to providing affordable moving solutions without compromising on quality or customer service. Their services come in cheaper than most professional movers.
They understand that relocating can be a significant financial undertaking, so they offer competitive pricing tailored to each client's needs.
By carefully evaluating factors such as the size and distance of the move and the specific services required, Metro Hop Relocation can provide accurate estimates and ensure that customers receive the best value for their money.
Great customer service
Metro Hop Relocation strongly emphasizes delivering exceptional customer service, ensuring that every client receives the personalized attention they deserve.
From the initial consultation to the completion of the move, their friendly and professional staff are available to address any questions or concerns.
By carefully listening to each customer's needs and preferences, they create a customized moving plan that aligns with their client's expectations.
| 🏆 Customer opinion “I was extremely grateful for the way Metro Hop Relocation managed my relocation. I'd never seen such devoted workers before. Everything was covered in moving blankets and shrink-wrapped; Daniel was even quick to disassemble and reassemble my bed. I must confess that I didn't have to lift a muscle because they cared for everything.” Michael Christopher |
Bellhop Movers
Intro
Bellhop has revolutionized the traditional moving experience by merging an Uber-like technology platform with a full-service moving company.
Bellhop Movers works with trusted third-party carriers for long-distance moves and storage options. This innovative approach provides customers with a customizable and affordable moving experience.
The company offers a comprehensive range of services, including local and long-distance moves, commercial moves, loading and unloading services, and hourly labor.
The convenience of the Bellhop platform is further enhanced by the ability to book all services directly from their website or mobile app. This streamlined process eliminates the need for in-person consultations and allows customers to manage their move at their own pace.
Services
- ➡️ Local moves
- ➡️ Long distance moves
- ➡️ Commercial relocations
- ➡️ Self-storage service
- ➡️ Packing services (including a partial packing service)
Pros
- Easy booking process
- Can handle smaller moves
- Hourly labor available
- GPS tracking
- Great customer service
- 4.8-star average rating
Cons
- They are not able to install or uninstall appliances
- No pricing information on the website
- This company is not great for complex moves involving high-value items
Why we recommend Bellhop
Bellhop uses technology to make moving easy
We like Bellhop because of their use of technology. Their website offers a user-friendly interface that allows customers to book their move and receive an instant price quote easily.
Bellhop uses a mobile app platform for its third-party movers. This app enables them to manage their schedules efficiently and communicate with customers in real time. For customers, the app also provides GPS tracking so that they can track the progress of their move.
Overall, Bellhop Movers' technology use helps improve their operations and provides a better moving experience.
American Van Lines
Intro
American Van Lines (AVL) is a nationwide mover licensed, insured, and registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Since its founding in Florida in 1995, the company has become a nationwide long-distance mover with over 70 trucks servicing all 48 states. It’s built a strong reputation for providing high-quality long-distance moving services at affordable rates.
American Van Lines specializes in long-distance moving services for residential, corporate, and military moves.
Services
- ➡️ Flexible moving options
- ➡️ Packing and unpacking services
- ➡️ Moving insurance
- ➡️ Storage
- ➡️ Moving supplies
- ➡️ Corporate relocation services
- ➡️ Nationwide availability
Pros
- Flat rate pricing
- Moving high-value items
- Background checked and experienced staff
- Fixed rate quotes
- Flexible moving options
- Deliveries 7 days a week
Cons
- No online quotes
- Third-party movers used in some cases so quality can vary
- No weekend customer service
Why we recommend American Van Lines
Flat rate pricing
American Van Lines’s moving rates are determined by a flat rate pricing system based on the weight of your belongings.
American Van Lines uses binding estimates, and as long as you don’t add anything to your shipment after your inventory has been submitted, your price will not change.
That way, you have peace of mind because you know the up front costs.
Specialists in moving high-value items
American Van Lines hires only certified professionals to handle unique items such as furniture, art, antiques, and pianos during your long-distance move.
They even have piano moving specialists trained to disassemble different grand, vertical, electrical, and digital pianos.
All employees undergo thorough background checks and yearly training to ensure top-quality service.
Great customer service
We recommend American Van Lines because they have great customer service. From your initial inquiry to the final delivery of your belongings, AVL will support you at every step.
AVL’s customer service is so good that Newsweek ranked their organization as one of America’s best customer service companies from 2019-2022.
Flexible moving options
AVL offers flexible moving options to suit any budget. They have two options:
➡️ Full-service moves
➡️ Partial service moves
Full-service moves
American Van Lines are full-service movers that provide comprehensive services for international, local, or long-distance moves.
The company's background-checked team will manage every aspect of your move from beginning to end, including disassembling furniture, packing belongings, and loading the truck, as well as transporting, unloading, unpacking, and reassembling furniture at the final destination.
Partial-service moves
For a cost-effective moving option, AVL offers a partial-pack moving package. AVL will handle packing delicate and fragile items, such as electronics and glass table tops, giving you peace of mind that they will be safely transported.
| Our Take | Best Overall Value GET QUOTE | Highest Quality Service GET QUOTE | Uber-like technology platform GET QUOTE | Best for up-front pricing GET QUOTE |
| Price | 4 | 5 | 4.5 | 3.0 |
| Rating | ||||
| Minimum Shipment Size | | | | No Minimum |
| Storage | Free 30 Days | 30 days of free & secured storage | | 30 days Free |
| Booking Deposit | 10% | | | |
| Cancellation Policy | Free up to 72 Hrs | Free Up to 7 Days | | 72 Hours |
| Quoting Options | Phone / FaceTime / Text | Phone / Text / Video | | Phone / Text |
| Discounts | Senior / Same day Booking | Same Day Booking | | Military |
| Price | Rating | Minimum Shipment Size | Storage | Booking Deposit | Cancellation Policy | Quoting Options | Discounts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall Value GET QUOTE | 4 | | Free 30 Days | 10% | Free up to 72 Hrs | Phone / FaceTime / Text | Senior / Same day Booking | |
| Highest Quality Service GET QUOTE | 5 | | 30 days of free & secured storage | | Free Up to 7 Days | Phone / Text / Video | Same Day Booking | |
| Uber-like technology platform GET QUOTE | 4.5 | | | | | | | |
| Best for up-front pricing GET QUOTE | 3.0 | No Minimum | 30 days Free | | 72 Hours | Phone / Text | Military |
FAQs On How Can I Keep My Child in the Same School If I Move
Do Schools Ask For A Proof Of Address?
The short answer to this question is yes. The longer one tells you that the schools will ask you for proof of residence right at the time of admission. Without the required paperwork and proof that confirms your residence in the school district, your child’s application will never even become eligible for admission.
What Happens If I Get Caught Using A Fake Address?
If you get caught using a fake or incorrect address, you will be charged with trying to defraud the government. Depending on the severity of your crime, you will be fined, jailed, or both. Moreover, this will put your child’s enrollment under scrutiny, if not immediate suspension.
How Does A School Know If I Move?
One of the easiest ways to figure out if a family has moved is to wait and see whether the mail you send them comes back or not. If it does come back a few times in a row, the school might send someone to your address in order to figure out what is going on, in turn confirming for the school whether the people have moved or not.
