Move to a new school district in 1st grade or 2nd grade?
Hi:
I have a daughter who will be 1st grade this fall. We have hear many good things about Piedmont schools and are thinking to move there from North Berkeley. Due to housing situation we probably cant move until end of this year so she will attend Piedmont school in 2nd grade. One of my co-worker lives in Piedmont told me it is not a good idea since Piedmont is a small community and all kids kinda grow up together. If my daughter starts at 2nd grade she will have hard time to find friends or feel like an outsider. Is it that true? Is it really a better idea to start at 1st grade? If that is the case we can try to find a rental for 6 -12 months but we would like to avoid it if possible. I appreicate your advice. Thank you
Feb 13, 2017
Parent Replies
I strongly disagree with your friend's advice, first grade will be no different than second as far as moving into Piedmont. At that age friend groups are very fluid - and in fact they continue to shift right through high school. While my children did have friends that they had been close to since elementary school, they also formed new friendships all throughout their school years. Good luck with your move! We loved the Piedmont schools.
We moved our kids to Asia in preschool and third grades. They're now in 6th and 10th. Still in Asia. Kids can move anywhere, anytime and resiliently bounce back. Admittedly a move across the country for me in 10th grade was a bit hard, but I managed, made friends and even have a few of them still -- from both high schools (pre-move and post.) My point is, moving them in 1st or 2nd is one and the same. The other kids will have been together, what?, two years, three max? If Piedmont kids are shutting newcomers out at those young ages, who'd want to move there ever anyway? Not to belittle your question, but your kid will be fine either way.
What your neighbour said is true it would be easier to move her in first grade - but you will be amazed how resilient she is and she will make friends. I am curious of why you want to move her out of the Berkeley schools though. Best of luck.