2.3 Transferring From One School to Another

Transferring From One School to Another

Your child must be enrolled in one school for at least six months before a transfer request can be submitted. Approval of transfer is based on availability at the transfer site. 

The only three exceptions to the six-month transfer policy are: 

• If you can prove change of your primary residence into the requested transfer neighborhood. 
• If you wish to unite siblings enrolled at different schools. 
• If it is in the best interest of the child (determined on a case by case basis). 

 To request a transfer, complete the Transfer Request Form and give it to your school principal to sign and send to the enrollment specialist. For OST families looking to transfer, the Transfer Request Form would be given to your current OST principal and/or clerk. You will be notified when space becomes available at the requested school. 

 Your child is eligible for transfer only if your family remains enrolled in the program. Once your family withdraws, you will need to reapply through the enrollment process for services. 

 Only one transfer per fiscal year will be granted per family unless the family proves that they have moved to an area where one of our schools is closer to their job or home and there is an opening.

Transitioning From Preschool to Transitional Kindergarten/Kindergarten

Preschool plays a vital role in laying the foundation for kindergarten, helping children develop the essential skills, knowledge, and experiences that set them up for future success in school and life. During the final year of preschool, teachers and staff begin preparing children for the transition to TK or kindergarten. This preparation often includes activities like classroom visits where TK/kindergarten and preschool students have the chance to meet one another and explore their future learning environments.

Family engagement is key to ensuring a smooth transition into TK/kindergarten. By engaging families in the process, educators can help children feel supported and confident as they approach this important milestone. Families are encouraged to participate in events like school picnics or welcome orientations that take place before or at the start of the school year. These opportunities help both children and families establish connections with the school, meet new teachers, and form relationships with peers. It's common for children to feel anxious or uncertain about moving on to TK/kindergarten, so we encourage parents to talk with their children about the transition, explore their feelings, and answer any questions. By working together, we can ensure that every child experiences a smooth and positive transition to TK/kindergarten.

In SFUSD, parents and guardians are responsible for offering the district their top choices for their child's elementary school during the enrollment process. SFUSD's placement process uses "tie-breakers” to determine which students get priority enrollment in a given school. It is the responsibility of parents and guardians to explore elementary school options, apply for desired schools and then register directly at the offered school. Families who apply by the appointed date have a better chance of getting the school of their choice. 

All families are encouraged to explore SFUSD's diverse multilingual pathways that are offered at many schools throughout the district to raise students' achievement and prepare them to fully participate in the 21st century's economic, political, cultural and intellectual life of our global society. If you are interested in a multilingual pathway and your family speaks a language other than English, you should schedule a language assessment for your child when you apply.