June 2025 Newsletter - Adapting to a New Education System After Relocation

You don’t know what you don’t know.

That’s a phrase I come back to again and again, especially this time of year.

It’s something I learned firsthand when I moved to the U.S., and it becomes even more relevant when we think about our kids stepping into a school system that’s completely unfamiliar. Imagine it for a moment: a new language, a new culture, and countless unspoken rules that are invisible to the untrained eye. That disoriented feeling of being dropped into a world where every step needs to be decoded. It’s overwhelming for adults, and even more so for young children.

Every country has its own unwritten codes, but the American school system comes with a particularly complex set. What feels completely natural in Israel, from classroom dynamics, communication styles, learning habits, and expectations from both students and parents, can suddenly feel foreign and confusing. For children relocating to the U.S., it’s not just about starting a new grade; it’s about navigating a parallel universe of education. They must quickly learn to interpret tone of voice, body language, and social cues they’ve never encountered before. And it’s not just an academic challenge; but rather one of identity: "How do I fit in when I’m still figuring out who I am in this new context?"

This is the double challenge of relocation. On one hand, language is the key to everything, and yet it can often feel like the biggest barrier. Imagine trying to share a brilliant idea, ask a simple question, or ask for help… and the words just won’t come. On the other hand, cultural differences those subtle nuances can make all the difference between feeling included or left out, between succeeding or being misunderstood. When do you speak up? How do you share your thoughts without sounding rude? And what do you do when it seems like everyone else in class “gets it” except you?

In the midst of all this, we can’t forget the emotional reality our children face. For them, this isn’t just a change in geography or language, it’s a deep emotional journey. Feelings of loneliness, not belonging, or being “different” can chip away at their confidence and extinguish their natural joy of learning. As parents, our role isn’t just to fix or solve: it’s to be the steady anchor. To listen with an open heart, to validate their feelings, and to give them the space to grow at their own pace without judgment.

The good news is that as parents, we have a unique window of opportunity before the school year starts. This is the ideal time to prepare not just in terms of language, but emotionally and culturally too. Sit with your children: talk about what to expect, what might be different, what’s exciting, and yes, even what’s scary. Explain how school works, teach them how to ask for help, and equip them to handle uncertainty. Of course, this means we as parents need to keep learning too; to ask questions, stay curious, and understand that this is a different reality. Not better or worse. Just different. Success depends on our flexibility, our ability to laugh through the awkward moments, and our willingness to make mistakes and learn from them.

Because as I always say, “Even when we think we know everything there’s always more to learn.”

Warmly, Judy

Quarterly Spotlight: How JBE Helped Our Family Adjust

This month, we're sharing the story of Gadi Sharon, who reached out to us when one of his nine-year-old twins was struggling to adjust after their move to New Jersey.

Here's what he shared:

"This past year has been one of the most challenging for our family. We expected a transition period, but we didn’t anticipate how deeply it would affect our daughter. From the first few months in her new school, it was clear she was struggling coming home sad, withdrawn, and unable to connect with other children due to language barriers and the sense that she just didn’t fit in.

Four difficult months later, we made the bold decision to switch to homeschooling. We were anxious and uncertain how could we support her? How could we help her regain confidence and joy? We knew English wasn’t just about school it was about helping her make friends and feel like herself again. That’s when we found JBE.

From our first conversation with Judy, we felt heard. She didn’t rush to offer solutions she asked thoughtful questions, listened carefully, and helped us understand what homeschooling could really look like. She gave us practical tools, and most importantly, reassured us that we weren’t alone.

Judy introduced us to Johanna, a teacher who was not only professional but also deeply empathetic. She built a real bond of trust with our daughter, helping her work through the emotional challenges and rebuild her self-esteem.

The results went far beyond English skills. Our daughter began to believe in herself again. She spoke more confidently, made mistakes without fear, and started smiling more. Even though she wasn’t in an English-speaking environment full-time, her progress was impressive. We discovered that personal connection and support can make all the difference.

My advice to other parents: Don’t go through this alone. Share what you’re going through. Ask for help. At JBE, they’ll listen, offer personalized solutions, and walk with you every step of the way. True learning happens when there’s connection not just to the material, but to the person teaching it and the journey you’re on together."

What We've Been Up To

In May, we held several virtual orientation sessions for families adjusting to the American school system.

In our first session, Teacher Daniela explained the structure of U.S. public schools, expectations for students and parents, and how to help your child integrate smoothly.

In the second session, Teacher Dave walked parents through how math is taught in the U.S., highlighting the key differences from Israeli methods and offering tips to help students transition and maintain their math level.

We also hosted a special session with Ocean, featuring business development director Shlomit Dragor and psychologist Nadav Shaked. We discussed the emotional and mental aspects of relocating and what families can do to prepare.

Coming Up Next

At the end of August, we’re hosting our annual Soft Landing Workshop for Kids and this year, it will be held in two locations: Tenafly, NJ and Brookline, MA.

This five-day workshop is designed for Israeli children who are relocating to the U.S. during the summer. Based on years of experience, we know this early exposure to the American school system helps ease the transition and boosts confidence from day one. Beyond learning about school structure and expectations, it’s a chance to meet other kids going through the same thing and maybe even make their first local friends.

Families relocating to other parts of the U.S. who are interested in hosting a workshop in their area are welcome to reach out directly or fill out the form here: https://www.jbe-t.com/softlanding

We’re continuing our group English sessions in Israel, designed for children and teens aged 5–16 who want to build confidence and improve their English skills.

We also offer small-group sessions for women only, led by our American teachers in a warm, supportive environment that encourages speaking and participation.

If you're interested in any of these programs, don’t hesitate to get in touch!