Back to School

So, at this time I have been a stay-at-home mom for a year now in the USA with my youngest who stayed home with me. He started Kindergarten in August 2024 which is the equivalent of Grade R in South Africa. Pre-school is not a compulsory requirement in the USA but it is obviously beneficial to the child, similar to Grade RR in South Africa. The only difference is that it is more affordable in South Africa and encouraged for kids to go to Grade RR since they will have a better chance for placement in their chosen school. Whereas, placement in the USA is dependent on location since you are required to go to the school within your area and whether there is space available as well as if you got your application in on time, the overflow children will not be denied education but will go to a designated school until there is space available.

Why did he only start in August ??

Alex was thrilled to start school since he loves to socialise and learn, frankly he was so bored at home with mom and he is just use to being busy in a schooling environment since he was one years old. So a whole year with mom was indeed needed, but he had enough of this long break!

So the American school year runs from August - May and it is basically so that the long summer break can be at the end of the school year and not in the middle of the year since it is summer during June/July and it is just too hot to go to school especially in the South, where we live as it can get as high as 105'F (40'C). Who would want to go to school in that heat if you can be at the beach or next to a swimming pool.

So essentially Alex is the oldest in his class, a January baby if you have to think about it in South African terms since his birthday is in early September. The Kindergarten age is the same as Grade R which is 5 turning 6 from September - August.

The School Standard and Language

Well, right off the bat the school standard is definitely higher in South Carolina, America in comparison to East London, South Africa (to be more Geography specific) since the kids need to already recognize some basic words and start reading in Kindergarten. So basically, I would compare Kindergarten to First Grade in RSA. Another remarkable difference is that every student receives a Chromebook (laptop) which they do work on, testing, research etc. and they get to take them home and at times have e-learning days but at the end of the school year they are required to return these. But just the fact that little kids have the opportunity to learn on advance technology amazes me. It is definitely a step in the right direction.

Hours of School and schedule

Excuse my language but it is a long ass day for these little kiddos. Going from a day consisting of two breaks and going home at noon and now suddenly having one recess and a cafeteria lunch and only getting home at about 15:00 in the afternoon then still having to do homework and try squeeze in a sporting activity, these kiddos are broken by the end of a week!

Their schedule looks like this:

Tips for Embracing the Move

If you’re thinking about making a move like ours, here are a few tips to make the transition smoother:

1. Embrace Every Moment: Take each experience as a learning opportunity. Whether it’s a new dish or a language mishap, enjoy the journey!
2. Try the Foods: Be adventurous with your palate. You never know what new favorites you might discover!
3. Learn the Lingo: Familiarize yourself with local phrases and slang. It not only helps with communication but also makes for great conversation starters.
4. Adapt and Enjoy: Be open to change. The more you adapt to your new surroundings, the more you’ll enjoy your experience.

Final Thoughts

Accepting Change! If you ever decide to make a similar move, remember to accept the change and change with it. While I still miss my South African comfort foods and the familiar rhythms of Afrikaans, I’ve come to love the rich, diverse flavors of Southern cuisine and the warmth of American English Language. Embracing these new experiences has helped me feel more at home in the U.S. It’s a delicious reminder that every culture has its unique flavors and words, and stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to delightful discoveries.