Guest Author - Kimberly Misra

Should you take your kids out of school for a family vacation? It’s a hotly debated issue. Opponents say that taking kids out of school for a vacation delays individual student progress since in some cases it may take quite awhile for the student to make up their work. They also point to the extra work created for the teacher who has to prepare advance or makeup assignments. Some teachers believe that taking kids out of school for a family vacation devalues education, giving children the belief that school can be done when it’s convenient.

Those in favor of taking kids out of school for a vacation point to the many benefits of doing so, including the ability to travel at off-peak times of the year to avoid crowds and high prices. They also point out that vacations can be quite educational, with children frequently learning more in one week of vacation than they learn in a month at school. Depending on the parents’ careers, a week off during the traditional school year may be easier to come by. Proponents also state that family vacation memories last a lifetime, whereas any particular week at school may be easily forgotten. If you’re thinking about letting your kids skip school for a family vacation, here are some factors to consider.

1. The Time of Year. Certain times will be more difficult for your child to miss than others. If your child would miss out on major school celebrations (like a Valentine’s party or school play), consider that impact carefully. The beginning and end of the school year and exam times are also obvious times to avoid when planning your vacation.

2. Your Child’s Grade Level. Children in low grades will generally miss less than those doing upper elementary or high school work. Also consider your child’s progress; if they are doing well in school a missed week is unlikely to have great impact. If they are struggling with any subjects, you may want to rethink your plans or be prepared to commit to extra tutoring sessions.

3. Your Destination. Teachers and principals may be more likely to support your plans if your vacation has an educational spin (visiting museums or historic sites) versus pure fun (a trip to Disney).

4. School Policies. Some schools provide rules for taking your child out during the school year in their written policies; others react on a case-by-case basis. Some teachers may be willing to provide you with a folder of work to take on your trip with you. Others may appreciate a show and tell session for the class when you get back. Bring back lots of interesting photos, a unique snack, or some foreign currency for your child to share with fellow students.