7 . Review college admission and SAT & ACT testing dates . Consider completing the test prior to departure . You can re-take these , but at least you won ’ t be caught without a score if deadlines loom .
8 . When transferring credits , you may need to advocate for your child . For example , maybe your child didn ’ t take a course in nutrition , but a health course might satisfy that credit requirement . Negotiate any credits that won ' t transfer . This process can be more flexible than it seems . Sometimes classes that don ' t match up exactly at the new school can still be credited as a similar class that the new school does offer . Schools will usually work with you to get the most out of your children ' s credits , especially if it might affect their graduation dates , so be polite but still assertive .
9 . Different grading scales and weighting systems won ’ t change established letter grades , but may impact GPA . For example a 91 % in DoDEA is an A , but in some districts it is a B . The letter grade will remain on the transcript , but the numeric grade may be averaged into overall GPA and identified per the new school grading / weighting standards . If weighting negatively impacts AP or honors placements , work with your guidance counselor to seek a possible remedy .
10 . Check the school calendar . It might be easier to transition into a class between quarters / semesters .
11 . Be sure to request recommendation letters from your current teachers , coaches , and special program sponsors to use later in college applications as well as for program access in the new high school .
12 . Don ’ t forget that even though they are grown , leaving behind friends impacts high schoolers . DoDEA- Europe high schools offer Student Ambassador programs that will help your child acclimate to the new school . Request a Youth Sponsor . Some teens may balk at first , but once they get that email and can ask questions of a peer , they are grateful . The SLO webpages offer an online youth sponsor request . See your SLO for questions and assistance in connecting with a youth sponsor and student ambassador .
DRIVING IN EUROPE If you are coming to Europe with a high school student , don ’ t forget to consider your plans for a drivers ’ license if he / she will be in need of one while in Europe or when they leave for college . Public transit isn ’ t as plentiful in most stateside locations as in Europe . However , you may still want your busy student to have his / her own ride to events , etc . In some locations the HS offers an activity bus for athletes etc . Ask your SLO what is available in your location . Child , Youth , and School Services also offers driver education courses in some locations .
For more information or to sign up please visit CYS Parent Central Services . To avoid unnecessary stateside trips , it is advised that your child come with a stateside permit / license if you hope to eventually get them a USAREUR license . There are age and other restrictions per location ( 18 ) and if you come with a permit , you will still need to get a stateside license prior to getting a USAREUR license . The trick is to PLAN . Resources : Driving in Europe . Drivers ’ Manual Germany USAREUR Practice tests
Driving in Italy Obtaining a USAREUR license in Benelux SHAPE Belgium Lic .
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