Special Permission Transfer Process
WCPS regulations require students to attend the school in their home attendance area. However, custodial parents or guardians may request permission for a student to transfer to a different WCPS school by submitting a Special Permission Application (clicked below).
Application Window and Eligibility
- Annual Window: Applications are accepted annually from April 1 through May 15
- Criteria Requirement: Requests must meet one of the nine qualifying criteria outlined on the application
- Student Performance: Approval requires the student to demonstrate ongoing success in attendance, academics, and behavior at the current school
- Capacity Limits: Requests may be denied if the receiving school is over capacity or experiencing large class sizes
Family Responsibilities Upon Approval
If your special permission request is granted:
-
Enrollment: You must contact the requested school to complete enrollment if your student is not already enrolled
- Transportation: Transportation to and from the requested school is the sole responsibility of the parent/guardian
- Annual Renewal: Special permission is granted for one school year only. A new application must be completed and submitted annually
Maintaining Special Permission Status
Students attending a school on special permission must maintain:
- At least a 90% attendance rate
- Passing grades across all subjects
- Appropriate behavior
NOTE:
If a student fails to meet these requirements, the school may request to rescind the transfer, and the student will be required to return to their home school.
Special PErmission APPLICATIONs
2026-27 School Year Special Permission Application (english) 2026-27 School Year Special Permission Application (español)
For additional information, call: 301-766-2897
2026-27 Pre-Kindergarten Special Permission Application (english)
2026-27 Pre-Kindergarten Special Permission Application (español)
For Pre-Kindergarten special permission information, call 301-766-8903
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
For more information about the process, transportation requirements, decision notification, and circumstances under which special permission to attend a school out of a home school attendance area may be granted: