Moving from Fairfax to Loundoun County - School Question (apartment, leases)

[pwrl3ss]

Hi all,

My wife and I bought a new house in the South Riding area and we are still waiting for it to be completed. We were told back in April to anticipate settlement in August originally (what the builder said) and of course they changed it on us. We stayed in Fairfax County figuring we didn't need to lease a place because

1. We could not find an apartment in the South Riding area that had a lease agreement less than 6 months.
2. We THOUGHT that we would settle in August and have time to register our kids for school in Loudoun.


We are now looking to settle at the end of September, well after school starts. But Loudoun County P.S. says we cannot enroll our kids as residents and we will have to pay tuition until we move into the county . My wife (she works for FCPS) says that Fairfax County will allow a student to enroll (without tuition) as along as the parents have some proof that you are going to live in Fairfax Co. I talked to a few people in LCPS and it seems that they do not have anything like that .

So, I'm curious to know if anyone has gone through this before and if there is a way around it, legally that is.

Thanks

[5stones]

if you have a contract with a settlement date on it you might be able to get them enrolled. We don't start until after labour day here so if you can't get them in it won't be that big of deal. We transferred in Nov and our kids had a very easy adjustment.

[memiller]

I've come across this issue several times as a local realtor. I believe a signed purchase agreement/new home contract should be able to get your kids enrolled. Signed leases and even long term hotel arrangements have been enough to enroll kids in schools. If your kids are elementary age, act quick as some schools have wait lists this time of year.

[salomea]

If your wife works in FCPS, they will allow your kids to enroll in the school that is nearest to her place of employment. Just have her ask her principal if she is in a school, or the HR office.

[tgbwc]

Originally Posted by salomea

If your wife works in FCPS, they will allow your kids to enroll in the school that is nearest to her place of employment. Just have her ask her principal if she is in a school, or the HR office.

That works if you live in FFX, but that's not the issue. They are moving to Loudoun and she works for FCPS.

[hechoenchina]

A good reason to use performance clauses on the seller, after all, they are going to charge you 150 per day for not making their deadline.

[Denton56]

If your family was homeless, and the county was putting you up in local motel, your kids would be able to enroll in school. You could always try that approach.

Have you spoken with the Principal at the school where your children will attend? Ask for an appointment with her/him and explain your problem. Talk about how the kids will suffer, having to get acclimated to two schools in just a few months. Educators are supposed to care about kids. Aren't they? Play up the emotional part. It might also help to mention that you are VERY involved parents who volunteer a lot and can't wait to get involved in the new school, blah, blah, blah. Flattery might help too, tell him that you've heard such wonderful things about his school, you want your family there as soon as possible. Be nice, nice, nice, it just might work.

Good luck with the educrats, sometimes they can be convinced to do the right thing. Let's hope they do it this time.

[car54]

Wow Denton, those are some very clever suggestions....those dumb ole educrats won't know what hit 'em!

[Denton56]

Originally Posted by car54

Wow Denton, those are some very clever suggestions....those dumb ole educrats won't know what hit 'em!

Who said they are dumb?

Most folks respond to flattery and kindness.

Thanks for the compliment!

[Ashburnite]

The forms I received for my child's school registration state:

"For Parents Moving into Loudoun County:

A signed lease, signed deed, signed settlement papers, recent mortgage statement, or deed of trust showing occupancy prior to enrollment

If these documents do not exist to prove in-county residency the parent may request to enroll as a tuition paying student. For further information on tuition status, contact the Pupil Services Coordinator at 571-252-1200 or complete the form found on our website."