Windsor Unified School District

While a school district does have the right to refuse to release a student to another district, there are a variety of exceptions to that rule: 

1. A student whose parent/guardian is in active military duty shall not be prohibited from transferring out of the district, provided the school district of proposed enrollment approves the application for transfer. (Education Code 46600, 48307)

2. If the district is unable to provide an intradistrict transfer to a student who is a victim of an act of bullying, as defined in Education Code 46600, the district shall not prohibit the student from transferring out of the district if the district of proposed enrollment approves the application for transfer. (Education Code 46600)

3. Continuing students enrolled in a school outside their home district

4. To attend an out-of-district school with a sibling who is concurrently enrolled in that school

5. Students Seeking Enrollment in a Specialized Program Not Offered in the Student’s District of Residence

A student may request an interdistrict transfer for the purpose of enrolling in a specialized educational program that is not offered by the student’s district of residence. Specialized programs are defined as distinct and structured educational pathways that provide instruction and/or opportunities beyond the standard core curriculum. 

Windsor High School’s full course catalog can be found here: 25/26 WHS Course Catalog

Windsor Middles School’s elective list can be found here: WMS Electives

In addition, WHS’ unique Core/Focus Area system, its athletic offerings, and the fact that WMS continues to be a “traditional” middle school featuring 6-8 grades on a self-contained campus, may all also provide transfer request options. 

To be considered under this provision:

• Parents/guardians must clearly identify the name and nature of the specialized program on the interdistrict transfer request form.
   
• The request must specify why the student is uniquely interested in or qualified for the program and how it aligns with their educational goals.
   
• The parent/guardian must confirm that no substantially similar program is available in the student’s district of residence.
   
• Supporting documentation may be requested, such as:
   
  • A program description or course sequence
     
  • A letter of interest or student statement
     
  • Evidence of student aptitude or prior participation in similar subjects, if applicable
     

Approval of the request will be contingent on:

• Verification that the program meets the district’s criteria for a specialized offering
   
• Availability of space in the program
   
• The student meeting any applicable entrance requirements for the program
   
• Compliance with all interdistrict transfer timelines and procedures
   

If your transfer request is denied by your home district, and you believe that your request falls into one of the categories listed above, you can appeal their decision to the Sonoma County Office of Education. An information packet, and all necessary forms can be found here at SCOE’s Ateendance Appeals.