Dear Judy,

I'm in 10th grade going into 11th and i would REALLY like to transfer out my school. The school isn't challenging enough, there are a lot of gangs involved, and the curriculum is horrible. There have been MANY deaths in my school. So I would like to know if it's possible i can transfer out before school starts and if so, what do I need to make it happen.

Y

Dear Y,

First, I have to tell you, it is not easy to get a transfer. You will need to be very persistent. Keep in mind the saying: "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again." You must apply for a transfer at the nearest enrollment office.

According to an email from the central enrollment office at Tweed: "Families can visit an enrollment office over the summer to speak with a counselor about a high school transfer (through August 23). They do not have to wait to visit a temporary registration center at the end of August."

You need a very good reason for the change-- usually health, safety or travel hardships. You said there is violence and there were deaths at your school, so that would seem to be a safety concern, but usually they want a person to be the victim of crime in order to grant a safety transfer. However, you should try. Also explain your need for a better more challenging curriculum -- that might get their attention. Chancellors Regulation A-101 covers transfers on pages 7-9. 

Even before you go to the enrollment office, you should contact any school or schools you are interested in transferring to, and see if they are open to accepting you in 11th grade. If their response is positive, you can bring that response to the enrollment office. It's the enrollment folks that have the last word, unless you go up the levels to the Chancellor. Look for helpful contacts on our high school DOE contacts page.

Another option is to apply to a good transfer school. There are many to choose from; it depends on how many credits you have accumulated and how old you are. Some, like Urban Academy, offer a more advanced curriculum and intellectual stimulation than others which are geared for students who are way beyond on their studies. There are transfer schools, such as City As School, which offer multiple internships and more time in the field than in a classroom.

To find one that might fit your needs, look up transfer schools on Insideschools.org and check out the Education Department's directory, Additional Ways to Graduate. You will apply directly to most transfer schools. Keep in mind, these are "alternative schools", and exist primarily for students who are at risk of dropping out. In most cases, you must be at least 16 or 17 to attend, depending on the school. You want a more challenging curriculum, and most will not provide that. Be sure you understand what they offer.

Finally, a long shot: there are special high school enrollment offices that open at the very end of August -- this year after Aug. 23. These are for kids with unresolved placement problems or no placement at all. No harm in trying.

If you have to wait until school opens, go see the guidance counselor right away to get on your case. Persistence -- that "try try again" approach - may pay off.

Good luck!

Judy