Switching Schools in the Middle of High School...?

Question

I have lived in America (California) all my life, but recently, after 8th grade (middle school), I have moved to ShangHai, China to attend International School.

I want to go back to the USA to attend at LEAST the last 2 years of high school, but my dad thinks I should stay here for 3 years, then go back for the last year, because then I could "Relax". He thinks that by then, we'd already have all the college apps. mailed out, is this true?

The problem is, which actually would be a better year to go back to America: Sophomore year (if so), Junior year or Senior year? I need time to catch up (as China's International School might not have the exact curriculum as America's), adjust, and to get enough exceeding grades as to get into a good college.

Thank you, please tell me the reasons why you'd think whatever year is best to go back.

Answer 1

I would like to help you with this question but I'm not sure if the international school's grading system is the same ours is in the U.S.A. Is there a twelfth grade there? Or do they graduate after the 10th? Wouldn't it be awesome to graduate after the 10th grade there and be able to come back to the U. S. and have your junior and senior years here? Problem would be solved. So, first you have to find out what the requirements are for getting into college here. Then you have to find out what courses are available to you there. If the courses offered there aren't transferrable to the universities here, your choice may be made for you--you'd have to come back here to get the courses you need to be eligible to enter one of our colleges. Talk to a counselor at the international school and ask lots of questions. Mainly, take into consideration what you want to do as a career.

Your last sentence poses many possibilities. What if you like it there and don't want to come back to graduate? What if your education there surpasses what you could get here? What if the education and culture there takes you in a new direction?

For now, I would have to say, check out your new school and what it has to offer. Explore your surroundings. The schoolbook education you get may not compare to the life learning experience you will be getting living in another country. After your freshman year, reassess your circumstances. If you feel you're not satisfied with where you're at educationally, make your best case to your father for what you want or where you need to be.

Answer 2

China excels in the education of their children. I don't believe you'll have anything to catch up on when you return to the US. For that reason, I think you should stay there as long as you can. BUT...

High school kids' friendships are exceptionally important to their mental health, sense of accomplishment and building of character. I wouldn't put my child in a new school just for his senior year. He needs to have a framework of friends already built up before he starts the craziness of the senior year.

So for me, Junior year, I believe would be better. Get friendships started, get used to a new school, and prepare yourself for the overwhelming social experience of the US high school senior.

TX Mom
Not an expert.

Answer 3

you should be back junior year cause you need time to get used to school here and if your credits are not right u have time to fix all that u should find out how it would work. and u will also have time to make friends and date someone and at least know the people u go to prom with lol its always the best for us girls but remember dont give it up.

Answer 4

The biggest issue, I would think, would have to be the credit issue. I would suggest that you move back for the two years because if there are credit issues then you have two years to sort them out before hand. Also, relaxing during your senior year isn't really the best of ideas...