Request a Transfer

All transfer requests are subject to the availability of space, program offerings, and staffing levels at the requested school. 

If a transfer application is submitted late or is denied, the student must attend their base (zoned) school at the beginning of the new school year.

If a transfer request is approved, it remains valid through the final grade level of the school—5th grade for elementary, 8th grade for middle, and 12th grade for high school, etc. A parent or legal guardian must accompany the student to the new school for enrollment and registration. These students are expected to maintain appropriate academic performance, attendance, and behavior.

Transportation is not provided for transfer students so parents, guardians, or students themselves must arrange daily transportation to and from school.

Students who transfer may become ineligible to participate in TSSAA-governed sports for up to one year.

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Note: Requests for consideration of administrative placement based on student safety, well-being, or access to specific academic programs must be made in writing and submitted to Justin Grubb via email, US Mail, or hand delivery. Administrative placements will be approved to a school that can accommodate the student as space and programming permits.

Once an application has been verified, general transfer requests are assigned an electronic number through a lottery-style process. School assignments are made in the order of those assigned numbers, following the priorities outlined in Knox County Board of Education Policy and Procedure J-152: 

1. Children of teachers requesting transfer to the school where they teach, in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated.
2. Children of contract employees
3. Students applying for entry into a Magnet School or continuing in a magnet school feeder pattern.
4. Students continuing in the Project GRAD program.
5. Students pursuing a full academic course of study not available at their base school. This applies only to comprehensive two-, three-, or four-year programs and requests based on a single class will be treated as general transfer requests.
6. Students who have a sibling currently enrolled at the requested school and who will continue attending during the requested transfer year. A sibling is defined as a brother, sister, half-sibling, step-sibling, or foster child living in the same household.
7. Students who do not meet any of the above criteria.
8. Out-of-district students (considered only after all eligible Knox County students have been placed).

Parents or guardians may appeal transfer decisions in the following order:

• Supervisor of Enrollment
• Appeals Committee
• Director of Schools
• Knox County Board of Education

Magnet school placements and courses not offered at the based school cannot be appealed.

If academic, attendance, and behavior expectations are not met, the receiving school principal may request to revoke the transfer. The Director of Schools (or designee) will review and approve or deny the request.

If a transfer is revoked, the student will return to their base school at the end of the semester, unless otherwise directed.

Additionally, students attending a school outside their assigned zone without an approved transfer will be returned to their base school as follows:

• Grades K-5: At the end of the nine-week grading period
• Grades 6-12: At the end of the semester

If the enrollment is determined to be intentional on the part of the parent or legal guardian, the Director of Schools may pursue legal action in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated.