awkward way to send Melissa Claire Egan on maternity leave

I've been wondering for a while how Chelsea would leave the show while her portrayer went on maternity leave.  But this was such a stretch!  Connor suddenly wants to leave Walnut Grove, he googles a school near Anita's house, and his mother says OK, we're moving there!  If Connor really wanted to go away to school, why didn't he just return to the boarding school he attended a few years ago, and loved?  

Here's what I think could've been more plausible:

Anita has another health issue that requires Chelsea to stay with her, like she did once before.  Chelsea wants to bring Connor, who is thrilled since he can't bear Walnut Grove.  But Adam isn't happy about it.  After some back and forth, Adam decides it's best for Connor and he needs to puts his son first. 

Or: Chelsea's new position as Marchetti's creative director requires her to work with fabricators in Milan for a few months.  She is torn whether to go, but Billy encourages her.  Connor wants to go too, but Adam isn't happy about it.  Nick and/or Summer convince him what a growth experience this will be, and Adam wants to do what's best for his son.