How to Transfer Schools

Transferring schools within Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) depends on your family’s unique situation—moving to a new neighborhood, struggling with transportation, or experiencing other hardships. 

Different situations may involve requesting a school transfer. MPS is committed to helping families find the best school fit for every student while minimizing disruptions to learning.

If you have specific school-related concerns that are not outlined below, please contact your school leader to discuss. 
 

Moving

If your family moves, your child may be able to stay in their current school! Research shows that children are more successful when school transfers are minimized. Contact your school principal to discuss options for your child.

Your child will NOT be required to transfer schools if:

• They are in high school.
• They are currently enrolled in a citywide specialty school.
• Your family is not moving outside of the bus transportation region.

If you move outside of your elementary or middle school transportation region, your child will be provided transportation only if a bus stop for the school currently exists near your new home. If there is no existing bus stop, you must either provide transportation yourself or change your child's school. You will be asked to select a new school for your child for the following year or to sign a contract that says you will provide transportation.

Should you choose to select a new school for the next school year, you should follow the enrollment procedures for your child’s grade level.
 

Hardship Transfers

Students currently enrolled in MPS whose assigned schools present a documented concern—related to issues like childcare, medical care, or transportation—may request a hardship transfer. Every request is considered on its own merit and is approved or denied on a case-by-case basis.

You are encouraged to discuss the need for a change in schools with the school leader at your child’s school. In some cases, your assigned school may be able to accommodate you and relieve the hardship. If that is not possible, you may be required to provide additional information to the Department of Student Services. 
 

Childcare

If the distance between your child’s school and your place of employment or your childcare location creates a hardship, you may request a childcare transfer. You must provide supporting documentation from your employer and/or childcare provider to verify the childcare hardship.
 

Medical Issues

If your child has a severe medical issue that can be addressed by a change in school, you may request a medical transfer. You must provide documentation signed by a doctor on the medical provider’s letterhead stating the medical condition and the reason why the transfer is recommended.
 

Transportation 

If transportation has become an issue due to a change in circumstances, you may request a hardship transfer. Parents or guardians who have had a change in employment, have lost personal transportation, or have moved too far away to transport any longer may request this. The Department of Student Services will work with you to identify a transfer option.