How to Transfer to a Different School District

 

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What is the Inter-District School Choice Program?

Massachusetts offers an inter-district school choice program. This program allows families to enroll their child in a school district that is not their child's home district. Transportation is not provided for students attending another school district under this program.

Because of space limitations, not all school districts in Massachusetts accept out-of-district students under this program. Every year, the school committee for every Massachusetts public school district votes whether it will accept new enrollments for the inter-district school choice program and, if so, in what grades. 

If you are interested in having your child attend school in another district under this program — and that district is accepting students — you should contact the Superintendent's Office directly in the district in which you want to enroll your child.
 

Inter-District Transfer Application Timeline & Checklist

Families should begin the transfer process the winter or spring prior to the year in which you want to enroll your child.

Districts generally require the submission of an application. If more students apply than there are spaces available, the district will hold a lottery to select which students will be admitted. If a district has fewer applicants than it has seats for school choice students, it may choose to accept students at any time during the school year. A sibling of a child currently attending school in another district under school choice will receive preference in the admissions lottery.

Your home district does not have to approve your child's application for admission to another district. Your child is eligible to apply for the school choice program in another district even if your home district is not accepting enrollment through school choice.

Once your child is accepted into another district under school choice, he or she is entitled to attend that district's schools until high school graduation. You do not have to reapply each year.
 

For a List of Participating School Districts, visit the DESE Inter-District School Choice site and click on the most recent “Inter-District School Choice Receiving District Status” link.