Explore schools, camps, and activities for migrant children—tips and solutions for education, integration, and wellbeing after migration.

Introduction

Adjusting to a new country presents unique challenges for migrant families, especially when it comes to supporting their children’s education and social development. Nearly one in four young children in the U.S. lives in an immigrant family, underscoring the need to understand schools for migrant children, camps, and integration support1. This article guides you through education options, camps, and programs available after migration.

Navigating Schools for Migrant Children: Entry and Choices

Enrolling children in school after migration often tops a parent’s priority list. Public schools in many countries, including the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., must accept resident children regardless of immigration status, though the process and requirements can vary. Generally, you will need to provide personal details, proof of age, immunization records, and a local residential address—documents that may pose challenges for newcomers who lack standard leases or tax records.

Some cities and states have schools or programs designed for newcomers—these may be called ‘newcomer academies’ or ‘international schools’. For example, the Columbus Global Academy (Ohio) and Newcomers High School (New York) offer tailored English instruction, cultural orientation, and peer support for recent arrivals. Such programs help students develop foundational language skills and adjust to local customs.

Barriers to education persist, especially for undocumented or newly arrived families, but most regions strive to provide rapid access and extra support. Local authorities and school counselors can be invaluable resources during enrollment, helping families secure placements and services.

Essential Camps and Extracurricular Activities for Migrant Kids

Aside from formal schooling, after-school programs and camps play a crucial role in supporting kids after migration. Summer camps for immigrant children not only provide much-needed recreation and language practice but ease the transition into new societies. Programs like those run by the Kurdish Initiative for Refugees (Canada) or BC Newcomer Camp (Vancouver) introduce children to local culture, language, and make the first friendships possible in a supportive, multilingual environment.

After-school programs, such as those organized by New American Pathways or our BRIDGE for KIDS, focus on homework assistance, English acquisition, literacy, and social-emotional wellbeing for migrant students. These initiatives often hire multicultural staff and prioritize parent engagement by providing liaisons fluent in students’ home languages.

Extracurricular activities for migrant kids—arts, sports, music, science workshops—boost confidence and help children make friends across cultural divides. Studies note that such programs are most effective when culturally responsive, hands-on, and designed to meet the unique academic and emotional needs of new arrivals.

Overcoming Challenges: Family Engagement and Integration Strategies

Successful integration goes beyond the classroom—it thrives on family engagement and healthy partnerships between home and school. Migrant parents often face hurdles, including language barriers and unfamiliarity with education systems, but meaningful engagement is crucial for children’s success.

Policies that promote school-family communication, offer translation services, and create peer-support networks can help bridge gaps. Early childhood programs that combine language development, health support, and cultural orientation—for both children and parents—reduce disparities and foster better academic outcomes.

Camps and extracurricular opportunities also help children build resilience and belonging. By encouraging participation in summer camps and after-school clubs, families can create a positive support network and accelerate both academic learning and personal growth.

Helps Children Thrive and Adapt

Children benefit most when education, camps, and community activities work together to support their integration after migration. Securing access to welcoming schools, engaging kids in local camps, and staying involved—as a family—helps children thrive and adapt. For the best results, explore the schools and programs available in your new community and actively seek out supportive resources for your child’s continuing development.