Voluntary Transfer Program

Did you know that a variety of educational options are available for students within the School District of Philadelphia? To take advantage of these opportunities, parents and students may apply for admission through the Voluntary Transfer Program. Applications are being accepted from September 21, 2009 - October 30, 2009 for September 2010 admission.

The District accepts applications for voluntary transfers, beginning the third Monday in September and running through the last Friday in October, for admission the following school year. Students, including English language learners and children with disabilities, may apply at this time to: special admission; city-wide admission; and other neighborhood schools within the School District of Philadelphia.

Elementary/Middle School Transfers

School District of Philadelphia Students

All students in grades Kindergarten through 7th, including English language learners and children with disabilities, may apply at this time to:

  • Neighborhood elementary/middle schools outside of their neighborhood attendance area
  • Citywide elementary/middle schools
  • Special Admission middle schools

You can apply for an elementary/middle school transfer by performing these easy steps:

  1. Decide which school(s) you want to apply for transfer. List up to five (5) schools in preference order on the Elementary/Middle School Admissions Application.
  2. A list of schools, codes and additional information can be found on the Elementary and Middle School Transfer Flyer.
  3. Additional information about each school’s profile can be found on the School Directory page, which highlights the school’s demographics and achievements.
  4. Submit the Elementary/Middle Admission Application form to you school counselor.

Note: Students applying to special admission middle schools must also submit a Student Transcript Application form directly to each special admission school listed on the admissions application. The transcript is to be completed by the current school counselor and signed by the school principal. Your school counselor will help you with the process and submit all necessary forms and transcripts.

Non-School District of Philadelphia Students

All students in grades Kindergarten through 7th, including English language learners and children with disabilities, may apply at this time to:

  • Neighborhood elementary/middle schools outside of their neighborhood attendance area
  • Citywide elementary/middle schools
  • Special Admission middle schools

You can apply for an elementary/middle school transfer by performing these easy steps:

  1. Decide which school(s) you want to apply for transfer. List up to five (5) schools in preference order on the Elementary/Middle School Admissions Application.
  2. A list of schools, codes and additional information can be found on the Elementary and Middle School Transfer Flyer.
  3. Additional information about each school’s profile can be found on the School Directory page, which highlights the school’s demographics and achievements.
  4. Submit the Elementary/Middle School Admission Application to Office of Student Placement at:

    • 440 N. Broad Street
      Room 114
      Philadelphia, PA, 19130

Note: Students applying to special admission middle schools must also submit a Student Transcript Application form directly to each special admission school listed on the admissions application.

High School Transfers

School District of Philadelphia Students

All students in grades 8 through 11, including English language learners and children with disabilities, may apply at this time to:

  • Neighborhood high schools outside of their neighborhood attendance area
  • Citywide Admission high schools
  • Special Admission high schools

You can apply for a high school transfer by performing these easy steps:

  1. A list of schools, codes and additional information can be found on the High School Transfer Flyer
  2. Additional information about each school’s profile can be found on the School Directory page, which highlights the school’s demographics and achievements.
  3. Submit the High School Admissions Application to your school counselor, as they will help you with the process and submit all necessary forms and transcripts.

Note: The special admission (SA) and citywide admission (CW) schools are identified on the High School Transfer Flyer. If applying to one of these schools, a Transcript form is to be completed by the current school counselor and signed by the principal for each special admission (SA) or citywide admission (CW) school listed on the admissions application.

Non-School District of Philadelphia Students

All students in grades 8 through 11, including English language learners and children with disabilities, may apply at this time to:

  • Neighborhood high schools outside of their neighborhood attendance area
  • Citywide Admission high schools
  • Special Admission high schools

You can apply for a high school transfer by performing these easy steps:

  1. A list of schools, codes and additional information can be found on the High School Transfer Flyer
  2. Additional information about each school’s profile can be found on the School Directory page, which highlights the school’s demographics and achievements.
  3. Submit the High School Admissions Application to Office of Student Placement at:

    • 440 N. Broad Street
      Room 114
      Philadelphia, PA, 19130

Note: The special admission (SA) and citywide admission (CW) schools are identified on the High School Transfer Flyer. Students applying to these schools must also submit a Transcript form directly to each special admission (SA) or citywide admission (CW) school listed on the admissions application.

Things to Consider

For information and to learn more about the transfer process you may download the Voluntary Transfer Program Brochure

Admission is not guaranteed:

Admission is based upon the student's ability to meet the school's admissions criteria, space availability, and in some cases selection by a computerized lottery.

Audition & Interview Schedule:

Some schools you may choose to apply to require applicants to audition based on artistic or musical talent while other schools require an interest interview. These schools are shown in the following listing along with their dates, times, requirements and even contact information. Should you have any questions, be sure to reach out to whomever is listed as the contact person. Download the Audition & Interview Schedule

Letters of Notification:

Transfer status letters will be mailed to students' homes in the spring of 2010.

If you need more information on not only voluntary transfers or the high school application process, but also extenuating circumstances transfers and/or persistently dangerous schools transfers, call the Office of Student Placement at 215-400-4290.