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Relocation Services for Families

Introductory Services
For all families who anticipate purchasing a home, our services are offered on a complimentary basis.

• We endeavor to answer your initial questions about school districts, test scores and real estate-related information in your search for the best school districts for your child.

• We will assign hand-chosen agents to work with you and your family. These relocation-trained agents often have children of their own and are a wealth of information on additional resources. They will happily recommend pediatricians, dentists, after-school and recreational activities for your children.

Additional Educational Needs
For those parents who have more specific needs and want to work one-on-one with an educational expert, we can refer you to educational consultants throughout the Bay Area. Be it public, private, parochial or special needs, you will receive up-to-date information on schools throughout the Bay Area.

• Here at CROSSROADS, , an independent educational consultant, is available to work with families to explore educational options. Nancy received a Masters in Education from The University of San Francisco in 1972. She has 30 years of experience working with children and school administrators and has taught extensively on both coasts. Nancy has a keen understanding of the special needs of a relocating family as they work their way through their educational choices. She has been an integral part of our CROSSROADS team for ten years.

• Nancy provides a complimentary 15-minute phone call to all CROSSROADS clients.

Moving with children? DO's and DONT's!

1. DO try and research in advance of your visit just what you are looking for in a home, community and school.
2. DO make a Pro and Con list of what you must have in a house and a school.
3. DO try and bring your children out for a visit to look at schools and communities. The more you involve the family in the relocation process, the more successful the move will be.
4. DO be aware that all schools K-3 who wish to be included in State funding must maintain classrooms of no more than 20 students.
5. DO be aware that placement for students is dependent on classroom capacity in larger districts with multiple schools.
6. DON'T assume that if you rent a home in one school district and then decide to move to another district, that your child will be able to remain in their current schools.
7. DON'T assume that the schools with the highest test scores are necessarily the best school for your child! A nurturing environment, warm and friendly staff, consistent test scores in acceptable ranges, community involvement, after-school care all contribute to a good school district.

Ask the Expert

1. What if there is no room in our school of choice?
   Most districts in California try to accommodate families and place children in the public school closest to their home. However in an attempt to keep classes at the K- 3 level at 20 or below, that is not always possible. In that case, in a district with more than one elementary school, the children will be placed in another school in that district. Children will never have to leave the district in which they live.

2. What if we move after applications close for private schools?
   Most independent schools will accept applications after the closing deadline, however these will only be considered after the first round has been notified. Often, the best course is to enroll the child in the public school in a district that best suits the families needs and keep applications current.

3. What is the best website to visit for school comparisons?
   www.greatschools.com is a very user friendly site and will help to answer initial questions about California school districts.

4. How will my child have to be tested for private school applications?
   Most independent schools have their particular testing formats. In some cases test scores from the district the child is coming from will be accepted. However, often the schools prefer their individual assessment tests. It is best to arrive with a copy of all school records when you begin the relocation process in California.

5. How can I determine if public schools meet my needs? What are my other options?
   Most California school districts have their own websites. Once you have determined the general location where you would like to relocate you can get basic information by visiting these sites. Often the districts have designated visiting days and it is possible to have personal appointments set up with school personnel. Charter schools, parochial schools, and many independent private schools will be available to look at as well. The professionals at CROSSROADS are always available to help navigate the varied options.

The Eternal Question: Rent or Buy?