Transferring your child to a different school may seem confusing or overwhelming. If your child is being bullied at their current school, or you think that they would be more successful in a different district, we’ll show you how to navigate the process of requesting a transfer.
Many people are dissatisfied with the U.S. education system. This is understandable since many American public schools are dealing with overcrowding and a lack of adequate funding for even the basics, much less optional extracurriculars. Violence is also a growing problem for many schools.
There is a strict process that you must follow if you want to transfer your child to a different school. You will also need several different documents, including their birth certificate and transcript.
Valid reasons to request a school transfer
First, you’ll need to give a legitimate reason why your child needs to attend a different school. You can’t request a transfer just because you like a different school better, as this would invalid the existence of defined school districts. However, there are numerous acceptable reasons to transfer your child to another school. You can request a school transfer if:
- There is absence of after school care for working parents at your current school.
- Your child has a sibling who attends a different school and you want them to go to the same one.
- The child is experiencing bullying or other difficulties at their current school.
- Your child has special needs or a learning disability that would be better accommodated at a different school.
- Their current school does not offer a specific academic program that your child needs to participate in.
- Violence is common in your district and you want to transfer your child to a safer school through a “Choice Program”.
You can request that your child be transferred to a different school at any point in their education, kindergarten through high school. However, this decision should not be made lightly, as it can be a complicated process and may take your child away from their friends and familiar environment.
You should also consider the reasons for the transfer and whether or not going to a different school will actually fix the issues. For example, if your child is struggling academically, you may want have them tested for learning disabilities or other issues that may be contributing. In this instance, you may want to transfer your child to a school with educators and programs more qualified to accommodate and help struggling students. However, addressing the root of the problem may be more beneficial and set your child up for future success.
In addition, you’ll have to account for negative consequences, like a longer commute to drop off and pick up your child from school and the potential loss of credits your child has already earned. If you have multiple children, then you may end up driving all over town twice a day for pickups and drop-offs. Also, if you have different children involved in sports or extracurricular activities at separate schools, you may have difficulties getting them to all of their games, events, and practices. Make sure that the transfer is in the best interest of your child and will work for your family.
How to request a school transfer
If you are confident in your decision to transfer your child, you’ll need to start by contacting the school you would like to enroll your child in, to learn more about the transfer process. Every state, district, and individual school has their own process, so you’ll need to get the information straight from them. Some schools have a lottery system for admission, while others only accept children who meet certain academic standards.
If your child meets the requirements to transfer, you will need to submit a student transfer certificate request, provided by the school you want to transfer them to. The new school may ask for various documents and proof of a valid reason for the transfer. Most schools require you to submit a form to the board of education, along with a formal letter stating the reason why your child needs to attend a new school.
Do not alter your child’s current enrollment until the transfer is approved. Once they are accepted into the new school, you will receive a list of requirements for enrollment. This will typically include submitting the following documents:
- The child’s birth certificate
- Proof of guardianship and/or custody
- Proof of residency
- Immunization records
- Completed application
- Emergency contact forms
Keep in mind that the child’s birth certificate must be a certified copy. If you do not have one, you can get a birth certificate copy quickly online.