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An Education in Relocation

For many families, summer is the perfect time to consider relocating. 

The kids are out of school for a few months, so there’s plenty of time to make the necessary arrangements, arrive at your new home, and get everyone settled before class is in session again. 

But before you sign on the dotted line for that dream house, ask your real estate agent about the local school districts and in which one your kids will find themselves come August.  

The latest trends. 

If you’ve kept up with the current news regarding redistricting for New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender County Schools, then you know that students might find themselves adjusting to new institutions regardless of whether they move over the summer or not.   

According to the Star-News, nearly two dozen schools have opened in New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender counties since the year 2000, as the region’s school districts have added thousands of pupils. Thousands more are expected to come, especially in booming Brunswick and Pender counties. 

In 2019, many high schools in our area – namely Laney, Ashley, Hoggard, and New Hanover high schools – faced problems with overcrowding. To more evenly distribute the student population, some counties have been working on solutions that include drawing new lines around the neighborhoods in the region. So before you make a move, check that your real estate agent has the most up-to-date information about where your new house falls in the school system.  

Take a tour. 

For most new students, one of their greatest fears is in arriving at the school and having no friends, and no one they can sit with at lunchtime. While asking the school for a tour ahead of time won’t automatically ingratiate your child and eliminate these fears, it can help ease some anxieties. A school tour can at least give him or her an idea of where classes are located, how long it might take to navigate the halls, and a general impression of the educational and social atmosphere.   

Going in blind on the first day is overwhelming, but with a little forewarning, your student can start the year off on the right foot. A tour could be just the confidence boost he or she needs to get through that scary first day!  

Some other things you and your child can do to help alleviate first-day butterflies include: 

  • Research- get on the internet and find out some details about the school. Most school websites have a list of faculty, upcoming events, clubs, and teams. 
  • Join a school club- Join a team, band, drama, art, or any organization that puts your child among peers. Before school starts, take the time to introduce you and your child to any potential coaches or leaders. 
  • Become a part of the community- find an activity outside of the school to join. Chances are your child will meet someone who attends the school—giving them an advantage before school even starts.  

Keep your options open. 

Another important thing that you need to keep in mind when relocating with active students is that it is often a stressful process. One that you probably don’t want to repeat too often if you can help it. When you begin searching for houses you like, keep an open mind about where you’d like to live as well as the kind of educational experience you want for your kids. Some of these questions include:  

  • Would they enjoy a public or private school more?  
  • Are they starting to get an idea of what they might like to do after high school graduation?  
  • If they are involved in extracurricular continues, what schools offer quality programs? 

These are only some of the questions that may influence where your family will eventually settle, so while you sift through your favorite properties, don’t get discouraged if you have to make some changes in preferences along the way. 

If you’re joining us here in southeastern North Carolina, the Michelle Clark Team welcomes the chance to introduce you to the area properly!  

Contact us today to begin your search for the best home for you and your family. We can help guide you through the process from start to finish, including acquainting yourself with the area before you even arrive.