Transfer Schools

The decision to switch to online school ultimately comes down to the needs of each unique student and your family’s lifestyle.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Transfer Schools

Students transfer schools for many reasons, but the process can seem daunting to parents. Follow our guide to make the transition as smooth as possible. Start with these four steps:

Research your options.

There are lots of great schools out there, so it’s important to find one that suits your student’s needs. Consider aspects like location, size, curriculum, and extracurricular activities.

Narrow down your list.

Once you have a few schools that interest you, narrow the list even further. Consider cost, academic rigor, or switching to online school versus brick-and-mortar options.

Tour the schools.

For any physical locations, make sure to see the school in person to give you a better idea if it’s the right fit for your student.

Go for it!

If you’ve found a good option, make the decision and stick with it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek out advice.

What do you need to do to transfer schools?

Whether you’re wondering how to transfer schools midyear or over the summer, there are a few steps you’ll need to take to get started. Begin by gathering the following information:

Transcripts

Obtain transcripts from your current school. These will show your student’s grades, credit information, and proof of academic progress.

Transfer Application

Fill out a transfer application, which should be available from your new school.

Immunization Records

Be ready to provide immunization records and other documentation for your student.

Should I switch my child to online school?

Transferring to online school isn’t for everyone. But many students thrive when they switch to online. Here are a few questions to ask yourself when making this decision:

Is your child struggling with in-person learning? Are they finding it difficult to focus or keep up with the pace of the classroom?

Does your child have any medical conditions that may make being in a school setting more difficult or risky?

Is your child bored with in-person learning? Could they use a challenge or a change?

The decision to switch to online school ultimately comes down to the needs of each unique student and your family’s lifestyle.

How to Switch to Online School

Transitioning from a brick-and-mortar to an online school can be a big adjustment for students and their families. There are a few steps you can take to make starting online school easier for your student:

Choose the right online school.

Do your research and find one that fits your student’s needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out to representatives of various programs to ask questions.

Set up a dedicated learning space for your student at home.

This should be a place that’s relatively quiet and free from distractions where your student can have all the necessary materials on hand.

Create a daily schedule.

Plus, make sure to stick to this routine as much as possible. This can help your student stay on track with their studies while adjusting to their new learning environment.

How long does it take to transfer schools?

The transfer process can vary depending on the school you pick, when you decide to transfer your student, and why you’re transferring. If you choose a K12-powered online school, we have dedicated enrollment consultants to help you complete the transfer process.

Begin by submitting a transfer request form. Then, a representative from K12 will reach out to discuss the transfer process and answer any questions you have. In most cases, the entire process can be completed in just a few weeks, but the timeframe may vary depending on individual circumstances.

Get the Support You Need for a Smooth School Transfer

At K12, we know transferring to online school can be stressful, and we support families navigating the process. We offer several school options and are here to answer questions about the admissions process. We’ll help you find the right fit for your child.

Learn More About Midyear School Transfers

Switching schools midyear can bring up many questions. That’s why we’ve organized these pages to help provide information about how to get started. Click through to take advantage of these resources.

Reasons Why Students Transfer to Other Schools

Tips to Make a Midyear School Transfer Easier

Styles of Online Learning

Schools by State

K12 App
Find the right school, enroll, get ready for the first day, and track your student’s progress.

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Guide to Transferring Colleges

Plenty of students transfer between colleges every year. In fact, about one-third of all students will swap institutions at least once before earning their degree.

Transferring colleges can be a great idea if you’re sure that the new school offers opportunities your current school lacks. That said, transferring involves an application process, and competition for open spots can be fierce. Your odds of acceptance as a transfer student are very different from your odds of admission as a first year. Here’s our advice on how to decide if transferring schools is right for you and tips for navigating the process once you’ve decided to make a change.

Why Transfer Colleges?

One excellent reason to transfer is because you are unhappy. If you find that the school you are attending is not the best-fit college for you, you don’t have to settle for four years of misery. Now that you have more clarity about what you want out of your college experience, you are even better equipped to find one that will meet your academic and social expectations.

Another reason to transfer is if your current school does not have a strong program in your major or area of interest. If you’ve decided to be a doctor and your college has a weak pre-med program, don’t be afraid to look elsewhere.

Some students who are rejected from their first-choice school attend another school with the intention of later transferring. Others begin their education at a two-year community college but ultimately want a four-year degree.

However, if your goal is simply to enroll in a college with bigger name recognition, you might want to reconsider. The difference in reputation between your old school and your new one may not justify the time and effort of transferring.

Whatever reason you have, do your research. Pay a visit to the campus of your prospective school, chat with current students, and be sure to sit in on the specific classes that interest you. You don’t want to find yourself transferring. again.

Plan Your College Transfer

Transferring to another college is not like applying to college the first time. Your high school transcript and test scores will take a back seat to your college transcript. So earn strong grades in college if you hope to transfer (some schools will still want to see your SAT or ACT scores as well).

Colleges have different policies for transfer students but typically expect you to have acquired a minimum number of credits. You’ll have a harder time transferring if you’ve completed more than two years of study, even if you abandon some of the credit you’ve accrued.

Of course, transferring can impact your intended graduation date or study abroad plans. Be aware of the policies at your prospective transfer school. Not all classes/credits are transferable and some schools won’t accept credit from a class if you earned below a C.

Prep to Transfer Schools

1. Get letters of recommendation from your college professors . High school recommendations are beneficial, but the opinion of someone who has seen you handle college coursework will hold more weight. Seek out professors who have taken a shine to you (especially ones within your major or academic area of interest). Don’t be afraid that they’ll be unhappy with your decision to leave; ultimately, educators want their students to be content. If a professor agrees to write you a letter, let him or her know how much it means to you. A thank-you note goes a long way towards making your recommender feel appreciated.
2. Be mindful of transfer application deadlines. Transfer deadlines vary from school to school, though you’ll probably need to send in an application by March or April if you’re hoping to transfer in the fall.

Financial Considerations for Transfer Students

Typically, transfer students are eligible for less scholarship funds, though some schools set aside money specifically for transfer students. Be sure to ask your prospective schools about their financial aid policies.

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The Staff of The Princeton Review

For more than 40 years, students and families have trusted The Princeton Review to help them get into their dream schools. We help students succeed in high school and beyond by giving them resources for better grades, better test scores, and stronger college applications. Follow us on Twitter: @ThePrincetonRev.