Okay August or September???

[NHBelle]

We usually always go in August, but we are on a tight budget this year and I am thinking that September might be less expensive. My concern about September is taking the kids out of shcool for so long. We want to go for two weeks (staying in condo using our timeshare points). I am also concerned about the August heat. We have 3 children dd 10 ds 5 and ds 1. I am just afraid the heat might really wear them out, but is Sept. any better? Probably October would be good, bujt I don't think we can wait that long to go. What do you think?

 

[Miscoehill]

We have taken the kids out of school twice for vacation and once last August to go to Disney. The vacation for the kids was much more relaxed in August because they didn't have to do homework or worry about the homework they would have to do when they got back. My kids are older though (12,14) so that makes a difference. Two weeks out of school is alot to miss.

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

I have to agree with Miscoehill. Two weeks at the start of the school year is an aweful lot for a child to make up. You 5yo will be starting kindergarten and those first few weeks are important to establishing classroom routine and rules. The 10yo will be in 4th or 5th grade. They have a tendency to dive right into lessons in those grades since the children are already familiar with the school rules, routine and layout.

Another thing to consider is that with "No Child Left Behind", schools have become less tolerant of absenteeisn due to family vacations. 10 missed school days will get you a certified letter from our school district warning you that truant children will not be tolerated. This is true even if you've already gotten approval for that vacation or if the child has be legitimately ill. Anything beyond 10 days of missed school requires a doctor's note. Children may not be allowed to make up work for unexcused absences. That includes "zeros" on tests, quizzes, homework and projects. It would be a lousy way to start off the school year.

 

[livinglighthouse]

Boy, does that make me glad I homeschool. I think that is very unfair to penalize the children for taking time with their family.

 

[goodferry]

Why would September be less expensive than August?

 

[jajuan]

I think September is best and it is cheaper because the kids are in school. But...mainly the resorts and it looks like you already have that taken care of. I take my kids out of school every September for a week over Labor Day that way they only miss 4 days. The crowds are definitely much less. I think you will make the best decision for your family.

 

[newholidayx2]

we took DS out of school for our 96, 01, 02, 03, 04 vacations - each 7/10day trips - missed up to 5 sch days ea

This yr DS13 & I will be going for our first ever 2wk vacation! we would not be able to do this during the school yr - will be going mid/late Aug

 

[dsnymomof4]

The rates do drop the last week in August. We went last August and it was VERY HOT! Also, it is hurricane season and unfortunately we spent our last day at Disney making alternate travel arrangements because our flight home was cancelled! While my children will be missing a week of school when we go in December, I don't know if it would be good to miss in September when they are just getting acquainted with their new teacher and new routines. Good luck with your planning!

 

[ceecee]

We always go in September. We go the last week and are still able to get the lower rate. It is still hot, but not too hot and you can still enjoy the water parks. We start school here the last wk of August, so DD (who is 9) gets 4 full wks in before we go and we get back before the testing in October. She is a good student and hasn't had any problems. I know we won't be able to do this much longer though, I've heard middle school gets really tough.