In general, a child cannot be transferred from his or her school without the parent's permission - even if the child is suspended from that school.

On this page: Transfers to another school | Transfers to a GED program or "discharge" | Children with disabilities

Transfers to another school

The principal at your child's school may request an "involuntary" transfer (a transfer without your permission) if he believes your child is not benefiting from the school. To do so, however, the school must first provide supportive services, including extra help or counseling, to help your child better adjust to the school. If, after providing services, the school still wants to go ahead with the transfer, you have a right to a hearing with the regional superintendent. See Chancellor's Regulation A-450 for more information about involuntary transfers.
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Transfers to a GED program or “discharge”

Sometimes school administrators will suggest that a child is too old or does not have enough credits to go to school. Often, they will suggest that the child "transfer" to a GED Program. Other times, children who do not attend school regularly are "transferred" to a GED program or simply discharged from school. It is wrong for a school to discharge a student when the student and guardian object. The school is also supposed to give the student and his parents notice that the student has a right to attend school until he is 21. The rules for when a child can be discharged are contained in state law and Chancellor's Regulation A-240. The rules prohibiting involuntary transfers at Chancellor’s Regulation A-450 also apply.
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Children with disabilities

Children with disabilities have the right to stop an involuntary transfer to another site by using "due process," a set of rights that include mediation, a hearing or an appeal. If you invoke due process, your child cannot be moved from his school or class until the entire matter is resolved. For more information about special education, see our Special Education page.

• If you have a problem transferring your child, write a letter from our Speak Out section here

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