Ordered Departure: The Many Paths Families Are Taking This School Year
As Ordered Departure continues for many U.S. Foreign Service families, one thing has become clear: there is no single "right" answer for educating children during this period of uncertainty. Families are making thoughtful decisions based on their children's academic, social, and emotional needs, while balancing the reality that no one knows exactly when life will return to normal.
One strategy that has helped many families is exploring protections under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Families who are temporarily displaced and living in hotels, short-term rentals, or with relatives may qualify under the law's definition of homelessness, which can allow students to remain in or re-enroll at their school of origin rather than being assigned solely based on their temporary address. Eligibility is determined on an individual basis by each school district's McKinney-Vento liaison, but several Foreign Service families have successfully used these provisions to return children to schools they previously attended, providing valuable continuity during an otherwise disruptive time. For children who have already experienced an abrupt evacuation and separation from friends and teachers, remaining connected to a familiar school community can provide an important sense of stability.
Other families have found that flexibility is their greatest asset. Some have enrolled their children in full-time online schools, while others have chosen homeschooling or a hybrid approach that combines online coursework, tutoring, and parent-led instruction. These options allow families to maintain academic progress while avoiding long-term commitments if they anticipate returning overseas later in the school year. For some students, particularly those enrolled in rigorous academic programs or those with unique learning needs, this flexibility has been invaluable.
Still others have chosen to enroll in local public or private schools, prioritizing social connections, extracurricular activities, and a consistent daily routine. For many children, especially after a sudden evacuation, the opportunity to rebuild friendships and establish a predictable routine has been just as important as the academic benefits.
Another issue that has surfaced in conversations among Foreign Service families involves enrollment deposits at international schools overseas. Under normal circumstances, many education-related costs associated with an overseas assignment are covered or reimbursed by the Department of State. However, some families have reported concerns that, if they choose not to return to post immediately when Ordered Departure ends, they may be asked to pay school reservation or enrollment deposits out of pocket to preserve their child's place. Because these deposits can amount to several thousand dollars, families should carefully review their school's enrollment policies, understand any financial commitments before signing, and seek clarification from post management or the appropriate Department offices if questions arise. While policies vary by school and post, it is an issue worth discussing early rather than being surprised later.
Perhaps the most encouraging development has been the willingness of Foreign Service families to support one another. Through social media groups, informal networks, and conversations with educational consultants, parents have been sharing ideas, resources, and experiences that help others make informed decisions during an incredibly difficult period. There may not be a perfect solution, but there are many thoughtful paths forward.
At Ambassador Academics, we've had the privilege of working with families pursuing each of these approaches. Whether your child needs academic continuity, supplemental tutoring, homeschooling support, guidance selecting an online program, or help preparing for a transition back overseas, our goal remains the same: helping students continue to thrive, wherever in the world they happen to be learning. To that end, we will be co-hosting a informational session and Q&A with other educational experts in our community on August 11 at 9am eastern. Sign up here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/uDh6mR0DQoihucW9N4Bkbg#/registration
Disclaimer: This article reflects experiences shared by members of the Foreign Service community and is intended for informational purposes only. Individual circumstances, school district policies, Department of State guidance, and international school enrollment practices vary. Families should consult their local school district, their post's Community Liaison Office (CLO), Management Section, and the appropriate Department of State offices before making educational or financial decisions.