Transfer Policy and Information

In District students’ whose IEPs indicate the need for a self-contained special education program, will be transferred as requested on a space available basis, defined as:  under the average of 80% of the grade level cap of 10 students per class. For Developmental Preschool, space will be based on the previous Spring's number of students classroom. Placements will be reviewed annually. Please reach out to the Director of Special Services, Chamea Bennett if you have any questions.

In- District Student Transfer                                                                                  
If you have been previously approved for placement you do not need to reapply.  Students living within Kalispell Public Schools boundaries, who wish to attend other than their neighborhood school, must meet the following guidelines:

• Elementary Students, Grades K – 5: Deadline for requesting transfer is April 15.
• Request for an in district transfer, for a K-5 student, must be made by April 15 of the current school year for admittance at the beginning of the next school year.  Exceptions may be granted at the discretion of the Superintendent, or designee, for extenuating circumstances, but is subject to approval by the student’s home district.
• If a parent desires their child to attend a school other than their neighborhood school they will obtain the appropriate request form from the school office or Central Office enrollment clerk.  The form must be completed and returned to the school they are currently attending.
• If the request is for movement during the school year, the request must be approved by the principal of the neighborhood school and the principal of the school requested.  Any exceptions to this procedure will be granted only by the Superintendent, or designee, for extenuating circumstances.
• If the request is for movement for the coming year, the student will be placed in his/her neighborhood school to assure a placement until the request has been acted upon.  The request will not be considered until the end of the school year and all other classroom placements have been made.
• Families changing residence during the school year shall have the option of keeping their child in the school they are currently attending or transferring them to the school in their new area of residence.  It is understood that if the parents choose to have their child remain in the current school they are responsible for transportation.  In subsequent years students will be considered for continued placement in the school of transfer on a space available basis.
• The District reserves the right to return students to their neighborhood school, or district, if overcrowding results at the receiving school or in order to balance enrollments.

Transfers may be granted for the following reasons:

1. Mental or physical health problems
2. Academic program offerings
3. Directed transfer due to behavioral or safety issues
4. Children of Kalispell Public Schools staff will be considered for attendance at the site where their parent(s) work on a space available basis.                                                                                                                             

Approved transfer requests have the following conditions:

• The student/parent/guardian must provide transportation to and from school.
• Attendance requires full observance of school rules and regular attendance.

• Request for an in-district transfer, for a K-5 student, must be made by April 15 of the current school year for admittance at the beginning of the next year. 

• Please login to your PowerSchool Parent Account to fill out the request.  Once you login, click on Forms and you will find the form under Transfer Request.

Refer to the above policy for more specifics.  For more information or questions, please call Judy Peiffer at 406-751-3400, Ext 3430.

• December 15, for consideration of a change mid-year, at end of 1st Semester for current high school students.
• January 15, for all current 8th graders to meet timelines for the HS registration process.
• August 1, for all other existing high school students and new students to the district. Exceptions may be granted to those students and families moving into the district after this date.