How to request a school transfer for a child

Transferring your child to a different school might feel overwhelming, but it is possible to do. The reasons a parent has for requesting a school transfer for their kid will vary. Perhaps the child is experiencing bullying or maybe they’ll be able to reach their full potential at another school. One of the main reasons many parents request to transfer their child or children to a different school have to do with the services that school will offer.

The education system in the United States is a fragile system. State governments set education standards, and generally implement standardized tests for k-12 public school systems. Some of the issues that the American education system faces include overcrowding, obsolete standardized tests, absence of funding for art or sport programs, and violence among many others.

Parents need to follow certains steps when transferring a kid to a new or different school. Parents will need to have all the necessary documents, including a birth certificate, grades, and more.

Valid reasons for a school transfer

There are several valid reasons for transferring your child to a different school. One of the most common reasons is that the school isn’t offering the child the necessary tools for their development. For instance, the child isn’t being challenged enough or is not being exposed to enough social situations that contribute to their growth.

These are some of the most acceptable reasons for a school transfer:

• Before and after school care programs for working parents who are not able to drop off/pick up
• If the child has a sibling in the school where you would like to transfer him or her
• If the child is having a difficult time at the current school. This includes children that feel unsafe or are experiencing bullying at their school.
• In case the child has special needs, and these needs can be met at another school with a better programme
• In case the child wants to participate in a specific academic program offered at a different school than their current one
• A child who is going to a school in an unsafe district may apply for a “Choice Program”. This way they have the opportunity of being accepted to a school in a nearby district that is safer than where they currently are

Parents may consider a school transfer for their child at any point during their education, from elementary school up until high school. Of course, children don’t always welcome change and might even be scared or upset about a school transfer. This decision should not be taken lightly as it involves multiple factors.

Before you transfer your child to another school, you may want to think about whether the change will truly solve the problem. Consider the commute, and how feasible it is for you and the family. Furthermore, will the child lose credits? or, will they struggle academically? Changes affect children deeply; it is best to make sure that the transfer is in the child’s best interest.

Steps to follow when requesting the school transfer

If you have decided to transfer your child to a different school, the first step you need to take is contact the new school and inquiry about their enrollment and transfer process. Each state, district and school have different processes. You will need to check whether they have a lottery system to accept applications, an open enrollment and if your child needs to meet other specific academic standards.

Next, you will need to complete a student transfer certificate request in the school district you want to transfer. This should be done before making any changes to your child’s current school enrollment. The new school district will verify whether you have a valid reason to transfer your child. Generally, there’s a form that must be filled out and sent to the new school districts board of education, you can also include a formal letter explaining your reasons.

If your child’s transfer is approved, make sure that you have gathered all the requirements established by the new school. The list of requirements should have been given to you by the new school. After everything has been approved, verify with the old school that they have sent all the transcripts and records to the new school.

The following documents are commonly required to enroll a child in a new school:

• The birth certificate
• Proof of guardianship and or custody
• Proof of residency
• Record of immunizations
• Common application
• Emergency contact forms

The birth certificate must be a certified copy. Depending on the new school, you might need to meet additional requirements. Check out our online service to help you obtain your birth certificate replacement quickly and without mistakes.