What is an intradistrict transfer?
An intradistrict transfer is used when resident families would like their child to attend a school other than their neighborhood school. This includes students in grades K-8 and includes incoming kindergartners (those students entering kindergarten in September 2025). Non-resident students entering grade 5 who would like to attend a middle school other than the one designated by attendance area of the elementary school they currently attend will need to complete an intradistrict transfer. Intradistrict transfer requests also need to be completed by non-resident students entering grades 1-4 or 6-8 who would like to attend a school other than the one they currently attend.
Who should complete a transfer request form?
Complete a transfer request form if your child is:
- A resident student entering kindergarten and you would like them to attend a District 197 elementary school other than the one in your attendance area for the 2025-2026 school year.
- A resident student entering 5th grade and you would like them to attend a District 197 middle school other than the one in your attendance area (based on your home address, not the elementary school you are currently attending) for the 2025-2026 school year.
- A non-resident student entering 5th grade and you would like them to attend a District 197 middle school other than the one in your attendance area (based on the elementary school currently attending) for the 2025-2026 school year.
- A resident or non-resident student who is enrolled in District 197 in 2024-25, entering grades 1-4 or 6-8 and you would like them to attend a district elementary or middle school other than the one they attended in 2024-25 or one that is outside your attendance area for the 2025-2026 school year.
- Complete a transfer request form for each child applying to enroll in a non-attendance area school.
School District 197 only allows you to select one preferred school choice at a time. If your request is not approved, it will be placed on a hold list and reviewed again during the next review period. If you choose to change your preferred choice to another school, you will need to submit a new request. By doing so, you will lose your current place in line with your previous request. At any point in the process, you may withdraw your request and attend your home attendance boundary school.
How do I request an intradistrict transfer?
Families submit an intradistrict transfer request online. An online request system makes it easier for families to request a transfer and enables a school to more effectively manage enrollment and balance school and class sizes.
How will I know the transfer request has been submitted?
Upon submitting the request, you should receive an email confirming receipt of your request. If you do not receive a confirmation email, contact the enrollment coordinator at 651-403-7030 or enrollment@isd197.org.
What if I do not have access to the Internet?
Families may reach out to the enrollment coordinator to make a request over the phone at 651-403-7030.
When can I submit a transfer request?
Transfer requests can be submitted during four periods between November 1, 2024 and March 17, 2025 for the 2025-26 school year
- Phase 1: November 1, 2024 - January 2, 2025
- Phase 2: January 3, 2025 - February 3, 2025
- Phase 3: February 4, 2025 - March 17, 2025
Intradistrict transfer requests will not be accepted after March 17, 2025. This will enable the school to plan the school schedule and manage class sizes well in advance of the school year, ensuring a smooth start for all students.
Who decides whether my transfer request is approved, and how is it decided?
School and district administration will meet to determine how many transfers are possible. Students who meet the following criteria will be given priority placement in the order below:
If the number of requests exceeds the number of seats available, the requests will be granted using a lottery system. Students not transferred will be put on hold in hopes that room may open up in subsequent transfer periods.
However, when a school or a grade at a school eventually reaches capacity, no further transfers will be possible.
When will I know if my transfer request has been approved?
Once the request period has closed, families can expect to be notified within two weeks whether their transfer has been accepted, denied, or put on hold. All notifications will be sent by US Mail.
My student is already attending a school on an intradistrict transfer. Do I need to reapply? And, do I need to reapply every year?
The default assignment for resident students is to their attendance boundary school. Families of 4th grade students will receive a letter in the fall indicating their student’s assigned school along with information about how to apply for a transfer. Re-application each year is not necessary. Once you are enrolled into the school you will not need to reapply for that student until the transfer to the next school that is grade appropriate.
Can I request a transfer after May or during the school year?
No. All requests must be submitted within the established timelines. Again, this will help to ensure class sizes are managed well and decisions are made well in advance for families.
If an intradistrict transfer is approved for my student, is transportation available?
YYes, transportation is available but must be requested. Please keep in mind that, depending on which school your student will be transported to, some bus routes could be as long as 45 minutes to 1 hour.
I do not live in the school district snf currently have a student enrolled. Should I use the intradistrict transfer site?
If you are a non-resident family and your child is entering grade 5 and would like to attend middle school outside of the designated attendance area of the elementary school they currently attend, you should visit the intradistrict transfer site. If you are unsure of what school your open enrolled student is assigned to, please contact the enrollment coordinator at 651-403-7030.
