Intra-District Transfer
How do I apply for an intra-district transfer if I would like my child to attend a school other than the home school of residence?
As outlined in School Committee Policy STU-4, school transfers may be authorized if the transfer provides particular benefit to the child and does not adversely affect programs and operations of the schools. Parents who desire to transfer their child to a school other than their home school must file a School Transfer Request Form (Spanish form here) by the following dates:
- Grade 8 (for grade 9 enrollment): By February 15
- All other grades: By June 1
What criteria are used to determine if a transfer is accepted?
All transfer requests are reviewed by the Deputy Superintendent and the receiving principal. Space availability may automatically limit transfer requests to any school where class sizes exceed recommended standards. If space is available, transfer requests will be screened individually. While it is prohibited to discriminate (see STU-4 for full text), transfers may be denied if the child has a poor disciplinary record or attendance record.
Deputy Superintendent’s Office 499-9510
How long is the transfer valid?
Transfers are valid for duration through graduation at each school level. However, each June school transfers are reviewed by the school’s principal. If there are concerns regarding student discipline, attendance, or tardiness, the transfer privilege may be revoked and the child returned to their resident home school. If there are no concerns, the transfer arrangement will be continued.
How do I know if a transfer request has been accepted?
A letter will be provided shortly after the request deadline indicating whether the request has been approved or denied.
Can transfer students be moved back to their resident school during the school year?
If an intra-city transfer is granted, the student must complete the school year in the school year in the school where the student was transferred to before requesting a return to his/her school of residence.
While the Pittsfield Public Schools generally discourages student movement between school buildings in the school year, principals may request of the Deputy Superintendent that a student be returned to their resident school in cases of serious behavior, attendance, and tardiness.
Do I have to apply for an additional transfer request when my child moves from elementary level to middle school level or middle school level to high school level?
Yes. The student will automatically be assigned to the middle or high school serving the district where he/she resides. If a parent or student seeks placement in a school other than the middle or high school of residence, he/she must follow the transfer request procedure.