Children integration in a new school in Puerto Rico

When it comes to relocation with children there is no right or wrong answer as it truly depends on your parenting style. A move of this magnitude is stressful all around even for your pets.  I would just say do your research and stay here for extended trips not a 4-day vacation, rent a house where you want to live for a minimum of two weeks to have time to research and figure out what's best for YOUR family. We have made several trips here for YEARS before finally relocating here. Don't assume because it worked for someone else it's great for your family even location. I have one child that started college when we moved here she spoke no Spanish 6 months ago in a Nursing program that's in Spanish.  But hands down where we are happy with the college she attends everyone has been wonderful all the professors and staff are great and at a fraction of the cost of college on the mainland which we knew because we research these options for months. My youngest just graduated 8th grade from a bilingual academy here, he still does not speak Spanish either, but he is learning in school and with his friends. It's a process. Would I have moved here with small children probably not, only because the cost of things, childcare and preschool tuitions can exceed what you pay in the States for good care. Example: A bilingual private academy on the island charges $2,000 yearly enrollment fee, that does not include books or uniforms those fees are separate plus testing fees and the tuition varies on grade level but starts at $850 plus a month some are higher costs than that.  That same school charges bilingual rates, but not even the principal speaks English nor the teachers, meaning school age kids from the States will fall behind due to the language barrier if they don't speak Spanish. Also check the learning material they want to give your kid as well. The English and math assignments your kid did in the states may not be the same here. I used to teach high school years ago out of college and let me tell you, we walked into one school and the 6th grade math here is 3rd grade back home, we found this out by walking into school requesting to view books and lesson plans and asking questions. College students don't even learn APA format until freshman year of college, something that is taught in 8th or 9th grade back home. You MUST research the schools.  The other question is.  What are your child's needs? If you have a child that requires a medical specialist or education specialist good luck. There are NO appointed special needs or inclusion program in local schools or even the private ones.  Check and see if that specialist that you need is here on the island for medical treatment. We fly to Miami now or back home, so my child can see an eye specialist twice a year we knew this ahead of time. They have plenty of physicians here, however, specialist take time even with great insurance to get into. I would recommend you research medical insurance if relocating with children. Triple S is Blue Cross. They are more expensive than the others but one of the only one that provides coverage in the States as well. So, if your kids need any care, even emergency, in the mainland or if they needed to be flown to the mainland, you better have the coverage or you're going to pay whatever that hospital charges.  Plus, PR requires additional shots for college students not required in the states and a full physical and dental exam completed for all students before the start of each school year no matter if your child just one had done before relocation. It has to be issued by Puerto Rico. Kids will adjust but be patient it will all work out, but it will take time. Home schooling is an option for many here from the mainland, but I feel the children lose the social aspect. What was the point of relocating if do not plan to have your children learn the culture, learn Spanish or have your children learn the culture around other children. Kids thrive and feed from each other. As a parent you really must do your research as you would if you moved anywhere else in the US. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't be afraid to try something new and if it doesn't work be flexible. I could go into more detail or answer more questions, but this is getting long, feel free to inbox me if you need to.

I tried schooling here for my son. After 6 weeks pulled him out. Education here is horrible.  I worked in public schools in the states. I strongly suggest against it. Many people pay for private schools. I refuse to pay to have my child educated.  We homeschool and i wouldnt have it any other way.

Sandra, I completely agree with you that public schools are a NO. I have a friend that homeschools her youngest and pays private school tuition for her oldest as the youngest had trouble adjusting. I always tell people do what works for your family.  I saw someone post about the kids being, ok in school unless the kids in their circle speak Spanish. She/he is right that does happen until they learn some Spanish. However, I know by the end of the school year even the kids that were shy about trying to speak English around my son and his bestfriend did start speaking more as he learned Spanish.

This is my worst nightmare! I have a 10 and 11 year old, who both have expressed the dread with going into school, not knowing the language and not learning. I home schooled for the past year and am prepared to continue if needs be, but would love for them to be in a school setting.  I worry about the cost of tuition, as I am coming as a single mom, so am hoping to apply to schools and get scholarships for the next school year. I am going to come and let the universe lead the way