We are going through this also. We actually mentioned the new school as a possibility last school year, so it was in the back of DS7's head. Usually, the earlier the better is the best plan for DS who has major issues with transitions. This year when we made the decision, I thought I was doing the right thing by telling him right away and it backfired. I told him in Feb and he had 4 major meltdowns and was suspended twice that month. He told his current teacher that he didn't have to listen to her (or anyone else at his current school) since he was going to be going to a new school. (The school blamed me (technically true!) even though it is DS who has the transition issues.) I was worried about a terrible second half of the school year, but after that month, everything has been back to normal!!
So he is all set for the new school. We even took a walk through it today while it was closed. DS has issues with sitting still during lunch time (current school has prison guards for lunch patrol) and his new school allows roaming during lunch. DS excitedly said he couldn't wait to eat lunch at this picnic table with his new friends. Ahhhhh, I breathed a sigh of relief! DS went through his transition in Feb so when school actually starts in August, it will be a breeze...maybe
I still think that the earlier DS knows the better. He is going to have a problem at some point, but giving him plenty of time to get through it works best for us. Nan
