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Switching Schools Mid-Year: A Parent’s Guide to Making the Right Choice
Deciding to move your child to a new school halfway through the year is never easy.
Moving schools in the middle of the year is not easy for any parent; however, sometimes, the move is necessary, as it might be the best decision for your child.
One of the reasons could be that you are concerned about your child’s academic progress, worried about their social experiences, feeling uneasy about safety, or simply feeling that they are not thriving in their current school environment.
While the idea of a fresh start can be exciting, this isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. It’s important to pause and get clear on why you’re considering the change because it can have a direct impact on your child.
The right reason, paired with the right support, can make all the difference in your child’s journey. So before you decide, ask yourself the following questions:
These are tough questions – but they matter. And once you’ve answered them, the next step is making a move that sets your child up for success.
According to a study by the University of Notre Dame Professor Jennifer Warlick, switching schools can sometimes negatively affect a child's academic performance, even for scholars who were already doing well.
But here's the good news: with the right support system and the right school, scholars can bounce back and even surpass where they were before. It is also important to get your child involved in the process to ensure a smooth transition into the school environment.
Get your child involved in the journey
As a parent or guardian, there’s no doubt: you are the best person to decide what’s best for your child. You know them, you love them, and you want them to thrive. But remember, your child is the one who will be walking through those new school gates.
The best way to get their buy-in before the move? Include them in the process.
Sit down with them. Talk about their current experience. Be honest about your concerns and your hopes for their education. Then, get them excited about what lies ahead. If they feel like they’re part of the decision, the transition becomes less scary and a lot more empowering.
Once you’ve received your child’s buy-in to move them to a new school, find out from the school how they support scholars who join mid-year.
How does the school support scholars who join mid-year
As a parent, it can be difficult to know where to start, but a great first step is to learn more about the school, either by contacting them directly or attending an open day to engage with the educators and get more information.
At SPARK Schools, our new scholars must have a seamless transition into our schools, especially those who start mid-term.
SPARK Schools, Head of Primary Schools, Nkazimulo Zitha, explains that one of the ways SPARK enhances learning is by using technology to personalise learning, allowing each scholar to learn at their own pace.
At the high school level, we use technology to create personalised learning pathways and implement targeted interventions. This allows our educators to identify challenges early and provide the right support to help every scholar achieve academic success.
Additionally, we use our bespoke Character Quotient programme to help scholars develop the social-emotional skills they need to navigate everyday challenges at school and beyond."
SPARK Riversands High Principal, Karmanie Govender, shares that our schools believe in helping scholars start strong from the outset.
“ From day one, we give our scholars the confidence to believe in their potential and the tools to succeed – not just in school, but in life. Through our unique Blended Learning model and focus on Character Quotient (CQ), we empower young people to build the resilience and skills they’ll need to face future challenges head-on,” Govender says.
She adds that, at SPARK, education is more than just academics, it’s a journey of ownership, leadership, and purpose.
Switching schools mid-year isn’t easy, but it can be life-changing. If your current school situation is not working, don’t let fear hold you back. With a school like SPARK that puts scholars first, your child doesn’t just get a new school – they get a new opportunity to shine.
Ready to make the switch?
Visit www.sparkschools.co.za to learn more or book a tour at your nearest campus.
Switch to SPARK today: https://www.sparkschools.co.za/apply
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