While sometimes moving is inevitable, it’s important to consider the consequences of such a decision. In Houston, a study revealed that high school students were 40% more likely to drop out if they transferred to a different school during the academic year compared to their peers who did not transfer. Teaching styles, routines, social cues, and expectations can vary significantly from one school to another, which can greatly affect a student’s experience.
Transferring mid-school year can present a steep learning curve. Not all teachers have the same styles or pacing, and grading standards may differ significantly, meaning a B earned at one school could translate to a C at another. Students might find themselves too far behind to catch up with the class material or too advanced and bored with repetitive work.
Moving during the summer can alleviate some of the stress, but it introduces new challenges. Depending on the move, students may lack a support system, relying solely on family for emotional backup. But what if family members are busy? While staying in touch with old friends online can help, it doesn’t replace the need for face-to-face social interaction. Moreover, required classes from one school may cover different material than those at a new school, leading to further educational gaps.
Transferring schools often complicates credit transfer as well. From personal experience, I found myself ahead in credits at one school but behind at another. Certain required classes were postponed until the third trimester of my senior year, while other credits continued to lag. Fortunately, I am on a pathway that allows some leeway with certain requirements, but what about those who aren’t?
A good friend of mine, Skadi, had to change schools due to family issues in Sioux City, leading to a fallout with their father and a move to live with their mother. Skadi transferred to a school called Alta during their senior year. Not only did this negatively impact the credits they had earned, but they also faced stricter graduation requirements during particularly stressful times.
“Not only were the grading standards raised exponentially, but I also had to take many classes to fulfill credits required for graduation,” Skadi explained. “Many of these classes could have been spent on subjects more aligned with my career goals.”
“The school followed an eight-period schedule instead of the block schedule used in Sioux City. Their grading system was also much more demanding. What was once considered a C+ was now a failing grade.”
The pressure was immense. Feelings of anxiety about needing to graduate were heightened by the challenges of adapting during such a critical time. With no close support system, Skadi relied on the internet and a few friends who maintained contact. Is this how a child should grow up?
“Much like moving to a new state or country, I felt a lot of pressure to meet their expectations with little time to adapt,” Skadi said. “From my experience, I would advise against transferring schools during middle or high school unless absolutely necessary.”
I also spoke to another individual who wished to remain anonymous. Unlike Skadi, Jane transferred around the 8th grade and was surrounded by family, which eased some of the pressure. However, the change was still jarring and had social repercussions. Adapting past experiences to a new, more open setting proved challenging.
“I remember being very scared and nervous because I didn’t know anyone,” Jane recounted. “Because of this, I chose to quit all activities and sports, even though I really liked volleyball, because I was too scared to join. It was also difficult since students now receive tours of the school, but I had no guidance, so finding my classes was a real struggle.”
While Jane didn’t actively seek out friends, she eventually found herself in a better friend group where everyone supported each other.
“The change was pretty easy to adapt to,” she said. “Mostly because I got lucky with my friends. On the first day, while I was talking to the principal, a random girl ran up to me and said, ‘You’re sitting with us at lunch’ and pointed to a table. It was honestly pretty funny because, a second later, the bell rang, and she dashed off to class.”
These three experiences highlight the varied impact of school transfers, but many more stories remain to be told. While every move is unique and some cannot be avoided, if possible, it’s beneficial to engage with your child to determine whether the move is truly in their best interest and how to make the transition smoother. Establishing a solid support system and developing strategies for handling challenges will not only help reduce dropout rates but also support many other students facing similar situations.
