Student Transfers

Exploring Your Options

A student transfer allows a student to move from one school to another, either within the same district (intradistrict transfer) or from another district (interdistrict transfer). Families may request transfers for a variety of reasons, including relocation, access to specialized programs, or finding a learning environment that better meets the student’s needs.

Important Updates to School Choice in Arkansas

Recent changes in Arkansas law, enacted during the spring 2025 legislative session, have updated how student transfers are processed. These changes streamline the transfer process and provide additional stability for families. 

Attendance Area Exceptions (AAEs), which were historically used for students to attend schools outside their residential zone within Fort Smith, will no longer be available starting January 1, 2026. The School Choice program now replaces this process and covers both intradistrict (within-district) and interdistrict (between-district) transfers, including applications for immediate transfers for the 2025–2026 school year as well as transfers for the 2026–2027 school year.

Please note: Approval of all transfers is subject to staffing capacity and space availability at the requested school.

Important:

• The School Choice application will be available starting 12:00 AM on January 1, 2026.

• The application period will be January 1 through June 1, 2026.

• Approval for all transfers is based on staffing capacity and space availability at the requested school.

• Once approved, students do not need to reapply each year, as long as they remain enrolled in the district.

• Starting January 1, 2026, Attendance Area Exceptions (AAEs) will no longer be an option, so all transfers must go through the School Choice process.

• School Choice applications can now be submitted for immediate transfers for the 2025-2026 school year as well as for the 2026–2027 school year.