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Student Transfers

Exploring Your Options

A student transfer refers to the process of changing from one school to another. either within the same district (in-district transfer) or by moving to a school in a different district (out-of-district transfer). This change can take place at various points throughout a student's academic journey, whether during the academic year or between school years. Families may seek transfers for various reasons including relocation, access to specialized programs, participation in extracurricular activities, or desire to find a different learning environment that better suit's the student's needs. 

In-District Transfers

Attendance Area Exceptions (AAE)

All students must attend a school in the Attendance Area in which they live unless they have been granted a transfer. Families interested in the AAE program must contact Student Services, complete an application, and receive acceptance. Attendance Area Exceptions are granted based on the school staffing availability at the school to which the student wishes to transfer.

 

Contact Student Services

There are circumstances when students may be allowed to transfer without filing an Attendance Area Exception including:

    • Residence Change: Students already enrolled in a Fort Smith Public School may transfer to a school within a new attendance area if their parents are in the process of building or renting a new home within the district. Proof must be provided that the new residence will be completed within 60 days after the start of the new school year. Additionally, students who have been enrolled for 20 or more school days may choose to remain at their current school until the end of the school year, even if their parents move to another Attendance Area within the district.
    • Curriculum: High school students may transfer to a school outside of their designated attendance area if the desired courses are not available at the school within their home Attendance Area.
    • Special Education: The Special Education Department may assign students with disabilities to specific classes, regardless of the student's attendance area.

Out-of-District Transfers

School Choice

If you live outside the Fort Smith Public School District, but want your child to attend a Fort Smith school for the upcoming school year, you can apply through the Arkansas Public School of Choice Act of 2015 (Arkansas Statute 6-18-206) beginning January 1. This law allows students from other districts to enroll in Fort Smith Schools.

Here's how to apply:

  1. Complete a School Choice Application: Fill out the form required for the transfer.
  2. Submit Your Application: You can either:
    • In Person: Drop off your completed application at the FSPS Service Center, Building C.
    • By Email: Send your application to the Student Services Department. 

Important: Deadline to submit your application is May 1 for it to be considered for the next school year. Once your application is approved, reapplication each year isn’t necessary as long as your child remains enrolled in the district, except when they’re moving to middle or high school.