Tips for Helping Your Child Adapt to a New School or Countrye

A practical guide for families starting a new chapter in the U.S.

Moving to a new country or city can be exciting, but also challenging — especially for children. Starting at a new school, learning a new language, and adjusting to unfamiliar routines can cause fear, confusion, or stress.

At Piaget Academy, we welcome many families who are beginning a new life in Orlando. We know that every child needs time, patience, and emotional support to adjust — and so do parents.

Here are 6 simple and realistic tips to help your child feel safe, supported, and happy during this transition.

1. Acknowledge their emotions

Whether your child is 3 or 10, big changes come with big feelings.

Say things like:

“It’s okay to feel nervous or unsure. I feel that way sometimes too.” Listening and validating your child’s emotions helps them feel safe and understood.

2. Talk about what to expect

Describe what the new school will be like — what language they’ll hear, what the classrooms look like, how teachers might greet them, or what kind of lunch they’ll eat. Even if they don’t speak English yet, knowing what’s coming builds confidence.

Tip: Show photos of the school or neighborhood, or explore the area together using Google Maps.

3. Create simple routines at home

Structure gives children a sense of security. Establish small, predictable routines even before school starts:

Bedtime and wake-up routines
Meal times
Time for play or reading

These daily rhythms can bring calm and confidence in the middle of change.

4. Visit the school before the first day

Touring the school ahead of time helps reduce anxiety. At Piaget Academy, we offer free in-person tours where children can walk through the building, see classrooms, and meet friendly teachers.

This makes the first day feel familiar — not overwhelming.

5. Embrace your home language and culture

Speaking your native language at home and sharing your traditions is not only okay — it’s powerful.

Our school celebrates cultural diversity and includes bilingual staff in Spanish and Portuguese who support new families with care and understanding.

Reminder for parents: You don’t need perfect English to be your child’s biggest support.

6. Find a school that feels like home

Look for a school where you feel welcomed, where communication is clear, and where your child is seen as a whole person — not just a student.

At Piaget Academy, we’re not just a school — we’re a community that walks with you from day one.

FAQ – What parents like you often ask

How long does it take a child to adjust to a new school?

Some children adapt in a few weeks; others may take 3–6 months. The key is consistent support at home and school.

Should I stop speaking Spanish or Portuguese at home?

Not at all! Keeping your home language builds your child’s confidence and helps them learn English better.

What if I don’t speak English — how will I help my child?

You don’t need to speak English fluently. Showing interest, keeping routines, and staying involved emotionally is what matters most.

Can my child join even if they don’t speak English yet?

Yes. At Piaget Academy, we welcome children of all language backgrounds. Our team is trained to support bilingual learning gently and naturally.

What feels small to you may be big for your child

Helping your child adjust isn’t just about school. You’re building emotional strength, resilience, and confidence for life.

And you — as a parent — are doing an amazing job.

Starting over is not easy. But you don’t have to do it alone.

Piaget Academy is here for families like yours

Bilingual staff who listen and guide you
A warm, safe, and family-like environment
Activities that support your child’s social and emotional growth
Experience supporting families who are new to the U.S.

Let us walk this journey with you.

Tips for Helping Your Child Adapt to a New School or Countrye

A practical guide for families starting a new chapter in the U.S.

1. Acknowledge their emotions

2. Talk about what to expect

3. Create simple routines at home

4. Visit the school before the first day

5. Embrace your home language and culture

6. Find a school that feels like home

FAQ – What parents like you often ask

How long does it take a child to adjust to a new school?

Should I stop speaking Spanish or Portuguese at home?

What if I don’t speak English — how will I help my child?

Can my child join even if they don’t speak English yet?

What feels small to you may be big for your child

Piaget Academy is here for families like yours

Menu

Contact Us

Tips for Helping Your Child Adapt to a New School or Countrye

A practical guide for families starting a new chapter in the U.S.

1. Acknowledge their emotions

2. Talk about what to expect

3. Create simple routines at home

4. Visit the school before the first day

5. Embrace your home language and culture

6. Find a school that feels like home

FAQ – What parents like you often ask

How long does it take a child to adjust to a new school?

Should I stop speaking Spanish or Portuguese at home?

What if I don’t speak English — how will I help my child?

Can my child join even if they don’t speak English yet?

What feels small to you may be big for your child

Piaget Academy is here for families like yours

Menu

Contact Us

Book Free Tour

Join Our Team