The School Year in the United States: A Significant Change for Immigrant Families
By Monica Davey, Broker Associate | Real Estate Empowered LLC
When I moved to the United States, one of the most notable and surprising differences was the school calendar. In South America, specifically in Peru, where I am from, the school year begins in March and extends until the beginning of December. On the other hand, here in the United States, classes start in August and end the following year in mid-May. In my first years as an American resident, this detail did not catch my attention much, but now, as a mother, I have experienced first-hand how this and other differences in the educational system impact the daily life of our family.
Navigating the American education system, I encountered several anecdotal challenges. For example, the mathematics I learned at my school in Peru, although effective, seems obsolete from my children’s perspective. Despite obtaining the correct results, the method is not accepted by them or their teachers. This situation has made me reflect on how first-generation immigrant parents have to go through each school year again, this time through the eyes of our children, facing something completely different from how we were raised in our country of origin.
Another difference between the educational system I lived in and the American one is school zoning. In Peru, for example, you don’t need to live in a specific area to attend a particular school. However, in the United States, the school your children will attend depends on the area in which you live. This reality makes it crucial to choose the place to live wisely, especially if you are a new parent or are moving from an area outside the United States.
As a mother, Latina, and real estate broker, I understand how vital it is for parents to ensure a quality education for their children. Choosing the right house is not only about finding a beautiful place to live but also about ensuring that your children have the necessary resources to flourish. Time flies, and there is no way to stop it. Before you know it, your children’s education will be in your hands; that’s why when you buy or sell a house, do your research and choose an accredited professional. Like me, at the beginning of each adventure, I felt lost, but with the right advice and the desire to move forward, one manages to conquer the goals that one sets.
Before finishing, I am proud to send a special shout-out to Christian Vásquez of Valiente Dual Academy, who opened the first Spanish immersion academy on the Emerald Coast. Christian has been a science teacher in the public school for the last ten years and finally made the jump to entrepreneurship, combining his passion for teaching and his innate ability to use the Spanish language. I publicly applaud Christian’s achievement, which enriches our community and offers our children the opportunity to learn and grow in a bilingual and multicultural environment.
Remember, whatever goal you want to achieve, there is always someone who will support and guide you. In real estate, that someone is me, Monica Davey, a real estate broker with experience, education, and professional connections that support and guarantee a future full of opportunities through real estate. You can find me on social networks as @destin.realtor.
