No Child Left Behind

Transfer Option Program

The following questions apply to those families whose children are in schools that are offering the transfer option.

Do I have to transfer (or move) my child to another school?
No.  You should base your decision on what you think is best for your child.  We are providing parents with this option as required by federal law.  The decision to transfer (or move) your child is entirely up to you.  If you wish to remain at your present school, please do not return the Transfer Option Application.

What if I want my child to remain at his or her current school?
Do not complete the Transfer Option Application.  We look forward to seeing your child at our school.

Does this mean that my child’s current school is not a good school?
No.  Our school has met the highest level of state and local standards.  The teachers and staff are excellent, dedicated individuals.  We are proud of the community that we have built within our school.  We are also proud of the programs that are offered and of the success of our students.  Your present school may well have the best program for your child. 

Is my child guaranteed a place in one of the receiving schools?
The law requires that this transfer option be offered to all families in the school, but the school district has limited resources available to pay for this transfer option.  We may not be able to transfer (or move) every child to the family’s first choice, nor may we be able to provide transportation. 

How will students be chosen for the transfer option?
Under federal law, we must give first priority to the lowest achieving, low income students. Achievement will be determined by test scores in math and/or English/reading, or—if these are not available—the latest report card grades.  Income will be based on the student’s eligibility for free or reduced price lunch in the National School Lunch Program.

How will my child get to a receiving school?
Your child will be transported from your neighborhood to the receiving school approved for your child for at as many years as your current school does not make Adequate Yearly Progress on the Standards of Learning tests.  You should know that in most cases, a student attending a receiving school will have a longer bus ride than a student attending the current neighborhood school.

Families opting to transfer (or move) their child will be notified regarding the transportation start date, the new bus stop, pick-up and drop-off times, and new school bell schedule.  Transportation to the receiving school may not be available until the middle or end of September. 

When your current school meets its Adequate Yearly Progress goals for two years under the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law, busing to a receiving school will no longer be provided.  In that case, your child may continue to attend the new school, but you must provide transportation. 

If I transfer my child, where will my child attend middle school?
When your child is ready to attend middle school, he or she will be enrolled at the neighborhood middle school based on your home address as if you had never transferred.  Middle school students are not included in the transfer option.

How do I apply for the transfer option?
If you decide you want to transfer (or move) your child to one of the receiving schools listed on the Transfer Option Application, you must return the attached application form to your school indicating your first and second choice no later than August 20.  Additional applications are available at your child’s current school and on the school web site.

When will I know if my transfer application is approved?
The district will mail approval letters to parents on August 21, 2008, with information regarding your child’s school assignment and whether transportation will be provided. That letter will contain a final confirmation form that parents must complete and return by August 26, 2008.  If you wish to have your child start school on the first day of school (September 2, 2008), please return your confirmation form as soon as you receive it.  You may fax it to your school. Fax numbers can be found at the schools and centers directory.

If I transfer (or move) my child to one of the receiving schools, is my child eligible for supplemental educational services?
No.  Only students who remain enrolled at their current school and who are on free or reduced lunch are eligible for supplemental educational services.  Additional information will be sent to parents of eligible students in late September.

My child is in a modified calendar school. Will the receiving school be on the modified calendar?
No. Due to the limited number of modified calendar schools in Fairfax County, all receiving schools are on the traditional calendar. Children transferring from a modified calendar school will being their new school once they have completed the application process and have confirmed that they accept the transfer option offered. The application, approval, and notification process are otherwise identical for modified calendar and traditional calendar schools.