[mathmussim]

Any stories to share about how the kids transitioned to the NZ school system? My son is in 7th year (US). I'm assuming he'd lose 3 months, since the school year starts in September here.

I'm primarily interested in how easy it is to adjust to a new school system, and if class content is roughly equivalent for the same age of student (e.g., is algebra taught in the same year?)

[veronica]

It would have to be someone from the states who could answer that one but for how easy it is to adjust to the new system would surely depend on the child concerned. I know of a friend in Auckland whos very small child was unhappy at the school he was at and being picked on/bullied there. she tried speaking to the teachers and was told children have to sort these things out for themselves. At 5 this seems a bit off so she has transferred him to another school where he has settled and is very happy.

[Tara Sage]

I don't know whether they teach the same as they do in the USA, but our son he is 7 wanted to go to school the minte we stepped of the plane and he really didn't enjoy school in England. Here he just loves it they let them stay kids and don't expect miracles and his enthusiasm to read and learn etc has come back since we arrived.

He certainly seems happier here :yes

[leslie]

advice on transfer from our d's school (aussie year-head) was to jump up rather than go down unless there are concrete reasons like serious struggle, age diff.