WORD OF MOUTH
Obviously, having a trusted friend or family member who can offer information on your new school district is a huge advantage. Put your military connections to work for you. Your spouse probably has colleagues who have recently come from or relocated to the base you are researching. Get in touch with that spouse! I’ve been on both ends of that conversation, and I’m always happy to help out another military spouse. Military spouses who have “lived there, done that” will no doubt have great information on schools and childcare in your new hometown.
Most towns, especially with a large military population, have at least one Moms’ or Parents’ group. MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers), The Mommies Network and Meetup are all useful resources for meeting (either in-real-life or virtually) other parents in a particular town or neighborhood. Picking the brains or these local parents is like striking gold! They will be eager to let you know which schools and teachers to seek out, where to find a great babysitter (and maybe even a great hair-stylist, if you’re lucky!).
