And kids that are out sick for a week often struggle too. I mean if that's the only 3 days of school the kid misses that year that's one thing. But if they miss 3 days for the trip, then 2 with a cold, then 1 for a baseball tournament, then a week in the winter with the flu or whatever, I've seen even smart kids struggle particularly on end of term test. Not to mention OP said taking end of term test early to go on the trip. That means your child won't get the review and these test are often weighted in middle school (i.e. 25+% of the grade). Additionally, some places it's just the standardized benchmark tests that are used to determine placement (because they don't vary between teachers so it’s a more fair comparison), so if you're willing to chance it by all means. No 3 days won't ruin it for life, but they may miss a certain benchmark, reward, or spend some time struggling to get caught back up. And yeah, I've actually heard children mumble or be upset because it took them a while to catch back up (I taught math so missing almost a week in a key area can be tough on a lot of kids even if they are smart). So I mean if you're fine with that you do you. If it meant changing my hotel by a week, I'd suggest changing the hotel. And at this point that's likely all it is. As I said in my original post, if say mom and dad had to put in for time off 6 months in advance or you've already booked flights that’s different, but if you believe school is important and it's not a cancel the trip entirely but a shift it, then yes as a former teacher I would suggest shifting it to where you can minimize absences particularly once you reach either tested grade levels or middle school.
We've graduated three (yes, LA too) and they were all honor students and well respected at their schools. Only two teachers, and one Asst. Prin. in all those years thought they could dictate when our children needed to be out a few days. Our children did great - one was a Merit Scholar. We/they have no regrets!
