Changing Schools Frequently

If you can manage the commute, I'd try it. Many districts will allow you to apply to keep a child in a district where they started if you are willing to transport the child. You might want to look into making a formal request for her and see if you need to drive her all the way in or if there is a middle ground bus stop that would be able to take her part way.

In the long run, I think she should be as settled as possible by HS, when kids really get down to preparing for college and classes really build on another (which order the district offers Geometry and Algebra, what AP classes are offered, etc.).

that is not a lengthy commute! Lengthy is 1 hour each way!

moving on....here's the one line which really grabbed my attention: "Technically we should change schools due to district policy".

If you're claiming a bogus address to stay in that district, then by all means move her to another school. You have no guarantees what the future will bring, no guarantees you'll be in position to live in that district, nor should you allow pride to govern your principles. Live in honesty, & there'll be less chance at heartache later on. :)

I would be honest. Having your child live under a lie, would be too much stress for her. What would happen if she wanted to invite classmates over or for her to want to go to their homes? You would have drive to and fro all of that time.

Your child is more important than your friends. She needs to know her mom is an honest person. That you are sorry for all of this, but you appreciate her understanding and you are doing your best. And let her know she is free to share her feelings. It will NOT hurt your feelings, but you do feel bad about all of this,

You also know she is a good person and student and she is going to do great.

Is she a good student? If she is, I am sure she will be fine. At her new school explain the situation with her new teacher and let her know you are concerned because of all of these moves. Let her know you want open communication.

I know all of this is tremendously stressful mom, but your child is depending on you to make the best choices. No regrets, just always moving forward.

I switched schools something like 6 times when I was younger. I missed my old friends but it wasn't a big deal. If your daughter is game, and the current school district has a problem with her continuing, I say, do the honest thing.

Your reputation for honesty is much more important than pride.
That's the only thing you want to drive home to your daughter, right before High School.

There may be more help for you than you think. If students don't have a permanent home and are living in transitional housing, with relatives, or a women's shelter they are considered "homeless"'and can stay at the same school. The district will even provide special transportation so that your child doesn't have to keep changing schools.

I went to 15 schools. It got worse the older I got, starting at about age 12. If its convenient and she doesn't mind, changing schools would not be bad, but there may be honest and convenient options.

Updated

There may be more help for you than you think. If students don't have a permanent home and are living in transitional housing, with relatives, or a women's shelter they are considered "homeless"'and can stay at the same school. The district will even provide special transportation so that your child doesn't have to keep changing schools.

I went to 15 schools. It got worse the older I got, starting at about age 12. If its convenient and she doesn't mind, changing schools would not be bad, but there may be honest and convenient options.

If you're saving money to eventually buy your own home, a long commute is going to eat away at that - and you are at the mercy of gas prices.
I'd switch schools for right now and really try to finish up with all this moving before she's in middle school.

If your daughter is up to changing, then keep the family together, with the shorter commute. Once she gets to be in 10th grade, changing schools will be an issue.

It's possible that it's legal to move but keep your daughter in the same school. Check with the district office. We were able to do this with my daughter and now she's done this with her daughter. Some districts allow this because it can be in the child's best interest to continue in the same school.

However, Since she sees the move as an adventure she and is willing to make the move I'd transfer her. There are advantages either way you decide.

Your daughter sounds amazing. I'm sorry you are all going through this with the foreclosure.

I read somewhere that a family had to pay a large bill to the school system because they fudged who she was living with so they could keep her in a school. I think they said she lived with the grandmother, when she really didn't. I'd hate for that to happen to you, so do your "homework" on this one.

I think that if your girl is excited about it, go for it. You may end up liking this other suburb and staying there, who knows?

It will also be less of a hassle in the long run. I did the 'commute' thing for the last three months of a school year in high school... it was a lot of driving for my mom. We transferred and started at the new neighborhood school. If it hadn't already been mid-semester, I think my mom would have just moved us.

This is also an example of modeling ethical behavior for your family. Seems silly, but we have some families who lie about addresses to be able to send their kid/s to certain desired schools. I can't imagine how embarrassing it would be for the kid if that were discovered.

I just wanted to add I think your daughter is amazing to see this as an adventure:0) There are mean girls everywhere, including the most expensive Christian schools.
My mom got a bill for tuition when we had 2 homes in 2 different districts because I was living 1/2 mile inside the other district. Owning a home in the original district didn't count because I didn't reside there.

Don't worry about the little lie. Schools are teaching the kids of illegals. They should teach yours who is illegally out of the desired district. Good luck.