David 
Happy kids at elementary school
by David Boyle
“We got orders and we’re moving this summer”
These can be some of the most challenging words a military member can utter to a family. Reactions can range from “not again, we just got here” to “great news, I hate this place”. Of course, these reactions depend on whether they come from a spouse or several of the kids. Relocating to a strange location can be a daunting challenge and choosing a place to live is one of the greatest challenges.
Lots of things face a military member when reassigned to an unfamiliar location. The movers come and pack things—some which they may never see again. Likewise, their kids pack up their lives to probably never see their friends and classmates again. The children feel like their friendships and social lives may never be the same. Yet, military kids learn to be flexible and learn to make friends fast. I remember that while we were unpacking boxes at our new location, our kids were outside making friends already. These kids also adapt and survive in the classrooms.
Military parents sacrifice lots for their kids. After receiving relocation orders, some spouses remain in the current location so their children can complete a school year. Some spouses even stay put until their kids finish high school, which can be for two additional years. And when a military member is assigned to a combat arena the spouse may even return to his/her hometown to be close to family so they can help with the kids and bond with other family members. Sacrifice. Military families sacrifice every day, especially when it comes to finding the best education options for their children. This can be the greatest challenge of all.
This challenge happens when it comes to the new schools that may have a different curriculum, different sports programs, no advanced placement classes and fewer options in the neighborhood school. These children could use much more continuity in their education choices. And that continuity can be provided by many education alternatives including distance learning, charter schools, home schools, and even Education Savings Accounts. But because these students move from state to state, these alternatives are not available in all states. That could be solved with ESAs provided at the federal level. The military family could be provided continuity for their children’s education. And the military child needs this continuity/stability in a very disruptive life. Federal ESAs are the only way that this student could benefit from this opportunity during his/her K12 education.
As an active duty member and military spouse and having relocated our kids to five different state’s school districts in a 10 year period, I can say that finding that “good neighborhood” to either rent or buy a home is a daunting task. I remember upon arrival in a new location I asked a friend who was already stationed there, “Is XXX school a good school?”. She said yes it was. Later on, my son told me, “Dad, I was sure glad to see you every day pick me up after school.”.
Come to find out, that school was a dismal failure and my son actually feared for his safety every day! What an eye opener that was. But, hey, he got straight As.
How does a military family get current valid data on a local school system? The military base/post does not provide any information on the performance of local schools. The real estate industry provides some, although dated and inaccurate, information. Most military families get their information from friends and by word-of-mouth. Not a very good source to determine your child’s future and education opportunities. And once their child is enrolled in a school, even though it is substandard, the child becomes comfortable and has made friends so it is very difficult to put that child through more trauma by changing to a better school. That’s the real challenge—finding a “better school” or other education options.
As the recent EdChoice.org “Military Survey” showed, once active duty military families were informed what ESAs were, their support jumped from 57% to 75%. And if these same active duty families knew how poorly their neighborhood schools performed, they would demand more choices for their kids. We need to do a better job and also demand that states require schools to post their standard test scores so parents can make better choices for their kids.
You see, veterans and active duty military members always look out for their kids. They sacrifice to locate in a neighborhood where that ZIP code school ranks high in the school district. For most, a quality school is the primary criterion. These sacrifices can include getting a second job, taking out a loan, to buying or renting a home they can barely afford. Just to ensure their kids get a chance at a quality education. Trouble is, that chance may not be based on valid information.
