There are many reasons you may need a school transfer for your son/daughter, like moving to a new home, some special needs requirements for your pupil (maybe better offered by another school), the need to live in a safer area, etc. Whichever are your needs, you will have write a so called “transfer letter” or “Zone Variance Request Letter” giving your motivations to the new school.

When you write your school transfer/variance letter remember to keep it short, no more than 3/4 paragraphs stating just the facts (no “BS”), including the child’s age, full name, admission, grade, and student number. The reason why you are requesting the transfer must be very specific and address the main problem/requirement of your son/daughter.

Usually these are the most common (and acceptable) reasons for requiring a school transfer:

• Student has special needs (that the current school cannot meet)
• Students has sibling in the new school
• Unsafe district for the pupil. In that case you should also apply for the “Choice Program” option, in the nearby safer districts.
• Students having hard time (e.g. bullying ) adjusting in the school they are attending
• Student look for specific academic programs (offered at a different school).
• Before/after school care programs needed for parents who cannot pick up/drop off their children at normal hours.

N.b. Important: A proper Zone Variance Request Letter should always be completed and signed by the Parent or Guardian of the child/pupil. Also, If a request for other siblings has been made to other schools remember to list the names of ALL alternative schools requested and all of the children name (for siblings). Parent will need to provide each requested school a copy of this letter/form.
Here below a full template/example for a School Zone Variance / Transfer  Letter:

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Date__________________

Dear (School Name),
I am writing to you to request approval of a School Zone Variance for my daughter/son:
 

Please find attached a letter to explain those reasons for my request.

(Write here, or in a separate letter, the specific reasons for requesting the variance – e.g. No Space Available, Hardship, Harmful/Dangerous Situation, Special Needs, Attendance, etc. – giving written documentation and proof of your request, if available)

I understand that after my request has been considered, a letter will be sent advising me of the status of my application.

Parent/Guardian (Print Name)

_____________________________ (signature)

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