Dear Judy,

My son is just starting kindergarten in a K-8 school. If he is unhappy in a K-8 school can he apply to middle school elsewhere? Or if you are unhappy in a 6-12 school can you apply to high school elsewhere?

- Apprehensive Mom

Dear Apprehensive Mom:

The beauty of schools that combine elementary and middle school grades, or middle and high school grades, is that families may not have to go through the tedious middle and high school admissions process and can continue at the same school. However, the answer to your question- are you able to switch schools if you are not happy at a K-8 or 6-12 school? -- is yes, you always have the option of going through the application process at normal school entry points, including 6th or 9th grade.<!--more-->

Some K-8 and 6-12 schools automatically accept current students  into the next level.  Others require all students to re-apply -- though they may give preference to continuing students over outside applicants. Make sure to find out if your son's school will hold his place if other schools he applies do not accept him.

Transferring at other non-entry grades is difficult unless your zoned school is an option. If not, documented incidences of assault or other real safety concerns or medical reasons, backed up by a doctor's letter, are most likely to result in a transfer. If you move and the school you are attending is more than 90 minutes travel distance away, and requires several transfers or modes of transportation, you can change schools. The downside is that you may not have a wide range of good schools to choose from if you wish to transfer.

Another opportunity to transfer comes with the NCLB law that offers transfers from a failing school to a more successful one. But the choices can be limited and the travel time can be overwhelming. The DOE announces this opportunity early in the school year to students at qualifying schools.

Finally, there is the hard-to-get, but not impossible, guidance transfer. This is no longer an "official" kind of transfer but it can happen on a case-by-case basis. You need your guidance counselor to agree that the school is  not for you and to support your request by helping you take your case to the borough enrollment office. Make sure you have a suitable school in mind. The enrollment office has the final say.

You can read more about transferring, on our website and in Chancellor's Regulations, A-449 (Safety transfers) and A-450, (Involuntary transfers.)

But, why are we talking transfers when school is just starting? Unless you have genuine health, safety ,or travel problems, why not make the most of what the school offers? Perhaps a rocky start will morph into a great experience. I hope so.

Good luck and happy school year!

Judy