Online Student Transfer Application
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Student Transfer Information
FCPS considers transfer requests for very specific reasons for Fairfax County residents only
A student registered
in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is expected to attend the school assigned to the student’s home address. The local or base school can be identified by the FCPS Boundary Locator
.
However, an enrolling parent
may request a student transfer for their child in grades kindergarten through 12 to attend a non-base school. Student transfers will be considered if the school capacity, grade-level capacity, and the school curricular program at the requested school will permit, as determined by FCPS.
When completing the online student transfer application, the system will automatically identify the closest open school available for the transfer type selected.
Students New to FCPS
Before submitting a student transfer application, parents of students new to FCPS must first register their child at the school assigned to their home or temporary Fairfax County address, as identified by the FCPS Boundary Locator .
For information on the registration process, please refer to:
Student Information System (SIS) ParentVUE Account
To submit an online student transfer application, the enrolling parent musthave an active SIS ParentVUE account .
SIS ParentVUE account
Accessing the Transfer Application
To access the Online Student Transfer Application, use the same username and password associated with your SIS ParentVUE account.
- Existing Account (Active Enrollment):If your child is currently enrolled and you have an active SIS ParentVUE account, log in to the
Online Student Transfer Application
.
- Forgot your password? Go to SIS Parent Account Access .
- New FCPS Families:Parents can create a SIS ParentVUE account during the Online Registration process or contact the school to obtain an activation key.
- Existing FCPS Families (No Account):Contact your child’s school to get an activation key and directions to set up a SIS ParentVUE account .
Important Notes
- Even if your SIS ParentVUE account appears limited or restricted (e.g., if a student is not yet enrolled for the current school year), access to the online student transfer application is still permitted.
- After registration is complete and a SIS ParentVUE account is created, you may submit the online student transfer application starting the following business day.
Application Timeline
FCPS accepts online student transfer applications for the upcoming school year from February 1 through June 1. The exact submission dates, which vary according to the type of request, are listed below:
- New High School Curricular
: February 1 to May 1
Program availability is indicated in the application.
Advanced Placement (AP) , International Baccalaureate (IB) , Global STEM (Edison HS Only) , Lewis Leadership Program (Lewis HS Only) - Renewals
: February 15 to April 1
Enrolling parents will be notified by email in February if their child is eligible for student transfer renewal. Students transitioning from elementary to middle school or from middle to high school are not eligible for student transfer renewal. - Initial (New): March 1 to June 1
New requests may be submitted for Child Care Hardship (K-6) , Child of FCPS Employee , Family Relocation A , Family Relocation B , Medical, Emotional, or Social Adjustment , Resident on Military Installation , Senior Status , Sibling at Requested School
Based on the transfer type selected in the online student transfer application, the system will identify the closest open school the enrolling parent may request. Program availability is indicated in the application.
Student transfers are valid for one year only. FCPS will notify the enrolling parent by email in February if the student is eligible for a transfer renewal.
After receiving notification, if the student continues to meet the same transfer criteria listed on the original student transfer application, the enrolling parent may submit:
- the online student transfer renewal application
- all required documentation
- the non-refundable application processing fee
If a student no longer meets the original transfer criteria, the enrolling parent may submit a new transfer request beginning March 1.
Applications submitted after the application deadline will be considered only for:
- High School students new to Fairfax County requesting continued enrollment in an Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or specialty program.
- Employees with a new work location assignment.
- Students experiencing a bona fide event or emergency that was not reasonably foreseeable prior to the application deadline. Documentation supporting the situation must be submitted for transfer consideration.
School Capacity and School Open/Closed Status
Student transfer requests are considered based on school capacity, grade-level capacity, and the availability of the school’s curricular program, as determined by FCPS.
The Office of the Chief of Facilities Services and Capital Programs identifies school capacity and each school’s open/closed status in February and May for the upcoming school year.
When completing the online student transfer application, the system will automatically identify the closest open school available for the transfer type selected.
A school will not appear as an available option in the online student transfer application if any of the following conditions apply:
- The school is closed to student transfers.
- The school is open to transfers but is at grade-level or program capacity.
- The school does not offer the curricular program or transfer type selected.
Types of Transfer Requests
FCPS considers student transfer requests for reasons outlined in School Board Regulation 2230 . Select any of the transfer types below to view a description of the request, the documentation or information needed from the enrolling parent, and instructions for completing the application.
Note:An asterisk (*) beside a transfer type indicates the transfer type requires multiple steps.
Description
If a parent demonstrates hardship in securing full-time before- and/or after-school child care within the base school boundary, the online application will identify the closest open school to the child care provider’s address. As you begin typing the address, it will appear in the dropdown menu in all capital letters. Please select the address from the dropdown list.
For help in locating child care, please visit the Fairfax County Office for Children, Child Care Search .
Required Information
During the application process, parents must enter two documented attempts to secure child care within the base school boundary.
All addresses are verified with the FCPS Boundary Locator .
Instructions for submitting application for Child Care Hardship .
Begin:Log into the online student transfer application using the enrolling parent’s ParentVUE username and password.
Description
Parents who reside in Fairfax County and are employed in a budgeted Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) FCPS position (including transportation and food services) may request a transfer to:
- the school in which the parent is employed, or
- the school closest to the parent’s work location
If the request is for the school where the parent works, capacity restrictions do not apply.
Required Information
Employees will be prompted to enter their FCPS username (not email address) and password. The system verifies employee status, eligibility, and work location.
New to FCPS or Work Location Change
Transfer requests are evaluated based on the employee’s employment status at the time the application is submitted. Once the employee’s new position is updated in the FCPS payroll system, the enrolling parent may submit a student transfer application.
Instructions for submitting application for Child of FCPS Employee .
Begin:Log into the online student transfer application using the enrolling parent’s ParentVUE username and password.
A transfer application is not required to attend the school assigned to your physical address. Use the FCPS boundary locator to identify your assigned school and contact the school directly to register.
Description
A transfer may be requested within 180 calendar days priorto relocating into the requested school boundary.
Required Documentation
Parents must upload documentation (PDF preferred) showing the upcoming move, such as:
- Signed lease or home purchase contract with move-in/closing date
- For new construction: builder’s letter with estimated completion date, signed contract, and county building permits
Additional documentation may be requested to verify the new residence and confirm that no other property is being used as a primary residence.
Instructions for submitting application for Family Relocation (A) - Prior to Relocation .
Begin:Log into the online student transfer application using the enrolling parent’s ParentVUE username and password.
Description
Families who move to a new boundary within the last 90 calendar days of the school yearmay request that their child remain at the current (non-base) school.
Required Documentation
Updated residency documentation (e.g., lease, deed, rental agreement) must be provided to the enrolled school beforesubmitting the online student transfer application.
The same updated residency documentation must also be uploaded with the online application. (You may take a photo using a mobile device or scan the documents before uploading.)
Instructions for submitting application for Family Relocation (B) - After Relocation (for remainder of school year) .
Begin:Log into the online student transfer application using the enrolling parent’s ParentVUE username and password.
Student Transfer Options for Curricular Programs
A transfer may be requested for a student to participate in a curricular program not offered at their base school. Eligible programs include the following. Select a program link to view the description.
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Edison Global Challenges Program
- Lewis Leadership Program
FCPS no longer permits student transfers solely for the purpose of enrolling in a specific world language. For questions regarding course selection , please visit your school's website to view the course selection catalog. For more information, contact your child’s school counselor or the Director of Student Services.
Minimum Course Enrollment Requirements
Select a program link below to view minimum course enrollment requirements.
- Advanced Placement (AP) Program
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Program
- Edison Global STEM Challenges Program
*
- Application decisions for Global STEM will be made in April
- Lewis Leadership Program **
If the student enrolls at the new school after accepting a transfer for a high school curricular program and fails to meet the program requirements, the student will be ineligible for VHSL interscholastic athletics and activities for a period of 90 calendar days. Students granted a transfer for Senior Status following a high school curricular program transfer are not eligible for VHSL interscholastic athletics and activities.
Instructions for submitting application for High School Curricular Program .
Begin:Log into the online student transfer application using the enrolling parent’s ParentVUE username and password.
*Contact Edison HS directly with questions regarding the Global STEM Challenges Program .
**Contact Lewis HS directly with questions regarding the Lewis Leadership Program .
Parents may request a transfer if an exceptional hardshipa distinct and severe adverse circumstance significantly interferes with the student’s ability to receive an appropriate education at their assigned school. A transfer will not be the sole or default intervention when reasonable, school-based supports may address the concern.
I. Criteria That Must Be Met
Documentation must demonstrate that:
- An exceptional hardship(severe, student-specific issue) exists.
- The hardship negatively impacts the student’s social or emotional adjustment.
- The issue is directly related to the school environment.
- School interventions(Tier 2 or Tier 3 supports) have been attempted and were not successful.
- A change of schoolis reasonably expected to alleviate or resolve the hardship.
II. Required Documentation (Parent)
Submit the following to your student’s enrolled school:
- A completed a Student Transfer Request Form – Medical, Emotional, or Social Adjustment (PDF)
- Documentation with an original signature from an independent licensed healthcare provider (physician, psychologist, social worker, or counselor) confirming the negative social/emotional impact.
III. Application Process
Phase 1: Initial Review
Step 1 — Submit Form
- Parent Action:
Deliver the completed Student Transfer Request Form – Medical, Emotional, or Social Adjustment (PDF) to the enrolled school. - School/Central Office Action:
The principal or designee reviews the criteria, gathers school data (interventions, attendance, etc.). After review, the school acknowledges receipt of the documentation in the Student Information System (SIS).
Phase 2: Submission
Step 2 — Apply Online
- Parent Action:
The following business day, the enrolling parent may submit the online student transfer application . - School/Central Office Action:
The principal emails the completed packet to the Student Transfer Specialist, who uploads all documentation to the online application.
Phase 3: Notification
Step 3 — Wait for Decision
- Parent Action:
Wait for the decision notification via email. - School/Central Office Action:
Specialists and principals review the full packet. Parents are notified of the final approval or denialby email.
If the Transfer Is Approved
- Return to Learn:Before the transfer takes effect, the receiving school will hold a Return to Learn meeting to plan the necessary support to ensure a smooth and successful transition.
- Monitoring and Review: The student’s social and emotional adjustment will be reviewed by the receiving school’s Multi-Tiered System of supports (MTSS) site intervention team within 60 days of the transfer date and as needed thereafter to determine whether the move has resulted in the desired improvement.
Instructions for submitting application for Medical, Emotional, or Social Adjustment .
Begin:Log into the online student transfer application using the enrolling parent’s ParentVUE username and password.
Description
Under Section § 22.1-7.2 of the Code of Virginia , FCPS provides open enrollment for students residing in military housing on a military installation within Fairfax County.
Process Steps
Step 1:
Provide the enrolled school with a current resident occupancy agreementfrom The Villages at Belvoir. If the lease is not current, a management office letter is required.
Step 2
The school records the documentation in SIS.
Step 3
The following business day, the enrolling parent may submit online student transfer application .
Instructions for submitting application for Resident on Military Installation .
Begin:Log into the online student transfer application using the enrolling parent’s ParentVUE username and password.
Description
Students relocating to a different school boundary within Fairfax County may remain at their current school for the final year of elementary, middle, or high school. Capacity issues do not affect approval.
Required Documentation
Updated Fairfax County residency documentation must be first provided to the enrolled school. After the address is updated in SIS, the enrolling parent may apply the next business day.
Students granted a transfer for Senior Status following a high school curricular program transfer are not eligible for VHSL interscholastic athletics and activities.
Instructions for submitting application for Senior Status .
Begin:Log into the online student transfer application using the enrolling parent’s ParentVUE username and password.
Description
A student may request a transfer to attend the same school as a sibling who lives in the same household. All children must be in grades K–12to be eligible for this transfer type.
Required Information
Sibling relationships are verified in the Student Information System (SIS).
Instructions for submitting application for Sibling at Requested School .
Begin:Log into the online student transfer application using the enrolling parent’s ParentVUE username and password.
The requested school must be open to student transfers. A school will not appear as an option if it is closed to transfers.
Based on the transfer type selected in the online student transfer application, the system will automatically identify the closest open schoolthe enrolling parent may request.
For example, if a student’s base high school offers International Baccalaureate (IB)but the student wishes to participate in Advanced Placement (AP)instead, the online application will identify the nearest high schoolto the student’s home address that is open to student transfersand offers an AP program.
Notification of Decision
All student transfer requests undergo a review process that involves the base school principal, the requested school principal, and the FCPS Student Transfer Specialist. As part of the review, schools may examine the student’s transcript, discipline record, and attendance history.
Once the review is complete, the FCPS Student Transfer Specialist will notify the enrolling parent of the approval or denial by email, sent to the parent’s primary email address.
Throughout the application process, the enrolling parent may log in to the online student transfer application to check the application status. Status updates will appear as one of the following:
- Incomplete– Your application is missing required items.
- Submitted– Your application has been received.
- In Process– Your application is currently under review.
- Approved/Denied– The final decision has been made.
Global STEM Transfer Requests:
Decisions for Global STEM transfers will be made after course selection is complete for base school students. Notifications will be sent to families beginning in April.
Fee for Application Processing
In May 2017, the Fairfax County School Board approved a non-refundable $100 processing fee for student transfer applications.
Payment is submitted within the online student transfer application and may be made using a Debit or credit card, Prepaid credit card, or Electronic check.
Fee Waivers
Fee waivers are available for the following situations:
- Students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals and have submitted the Consent to Share Information for Benefits for Other Programs form
.
- If the fee is not automatically waived, submit the Consent to Share form to [email protected] .
- Please allow 2–3 business days for processing. Once processed, the waiver will be reflected in the online application.
- Students residing on a military installationin military housing located within Fairfax County.
- Students of parents who are current FCPS employeesand reside in Fairfax County.
- Family Relocation A and Btransfer types
Fee waiver eligibility is determined based on the status at the time the application is submitted.
Transportation
FCPS does notprovide transportation for students attending a school through an approved student transfer. Parents must provide a safe method of transportation.
Conditions of a Student Transfer
If a student transfer application is approved, the following conditions apply:
- Transfer Student Athletic Eligibility: Eligibility for participation
Virginia High School League
(VHSL) athletics and VHSL activities (one-act theatre, debate, scholastic bowl, Esports) is governed by VHSL rules. By default, students who transfer from one school to another are ineligible to participate in VHSL activities at the new school. For additional information, visit the
FCPS Athletic Eligibility and Transfer Gateway webpage
.
- If the student enrolls at the new school and subsequently returns to his or her base school for any reason, the student will be ineligible for VHSL interscholastic athletics and activities for a period of 365 calendar days upon return to the base school.
- Revocation of Transfer: The transfer may be revoked if the original reason for the transfer no longer exists; if the student does not attend school regularly; if the student fails to make academic progress; or if the student violates the code of conduct, including Student Rights and Responsibilities .
- Transportation:The parent/guardian is responsible for providing transportation for the student to the non-base school.
- Processing Fee:A non-refundable $100 application processing fee is required unless a waiver is granted.
- Annual Approval:Transfer approval is valid for one year only. A new application must be submitted each year.
- Discretionary Approval:All student transfer requests are discretionary and subject to approval by FCPS.
Questions?
- For more information about the application process and the different types of transfer requests, see the Student Transfer: Frequently Asked Questions page.
- Email the FCPS Student Transfer office at [email protected] .
