Transfer Overview

Parents of students throughout Florida have enrollment options available to them through a process called “controlled open enrollment.”

The Florida legislature passed a statute that allows students to request a transfer to another school besides their zoned school, including transfers to public schools in surrounding counties.

During controlled open enrollment, parents seeking additional choice options for their students can apply for placement in any school in the state that has not reached capacity and still has seats available. The goal is to promote and encourage parental involvement and ensure students have access to a school that meets their needs.

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How to Apply During Controlled Open Enrollment

Magnet, choice, IB, AICE or career academy programs are not included in Controlled Open Enrollment.

PCPS will begin accepting applications for controlled open enrollment at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, April 3rd, 2023. The schools with available seats will be identified prior to the application process opening.

Applications must be submitted online through Parent Portal. If you do not have a Parent Portal account, one can be created by following the steps at polkschoolsfl.com/parentportal.

Parents of students approved for transfers through the controlled open enrollment window will be notified by email once the enrollment period ends.

For more information, call (863) 519-7600, Option 1.

Applications must be
submitted through Parent Portal.

Other Important Information

The timeframe to transfer out of zone is during the COE open enrollment window in the month of April, which is lottery based.

Other than that, the student must request a transfer through Pupil Accounting if the following conditions are present:

  • Serious hardship (death in the family, hospitalization of parent etc…)
  • Serious illness (would require a Medical Interrogatory packet)
  • Bully situation
  • New PCPS employee
  • DCF placement at non-zoned school
  • Military deployment
  • Superintendent approval

Approved applicants will be notified by email and shall have 10 days to accept

Important notes about Controlled Open Enrollment:

  • Transportation to and from the transfer school is the responsibility of the parent or guardian.
  • Student hardship transfer/placement is available for students within Polk County only.

IEP requirements cannot be guaranteed for students accepting a Controlled Open Enrollment placement.

FAQ's

What is Controlled Open Enrollment (COE)?

COE will provide additional opportunities for students to attend a school other than the zoned school where there is available capacity. Through the District’s COE Plan, parents are provided greater choice options.

How will the district define capacity and how will the district determine which schools are available for COE?

Capacity for COE enrollment is identified based on the enrollment. If the school is less than 90% of the FISH capacity (Florida Inventory of School Houses). Schools identified as schools operating with less than 90% capacity are eligible for COE transfer/placement assignments.

What is the COE application process?

Online Applications are available on Parent Portal. Applications will only be taken during the open enrollment window, the first Monday in April – the last friday in April.

How will the lottery work?

Parents can choose 3 choices for transfer/placement. All applications will be processed according to the random number assigned. In accordance with Florida law, applications shall be grouped: Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3 and Phase 4. Separate lotteries will be conducted for applicants in Phases 1 through 4. Random numbers will be selected, and the applications in each Phase shall be placed in order of their selection.

If my child is selected in a lottery to attend a COE school, what am I to do?

Once notified of a lottery selection, the student will automatically roll to the school they accepted. The parent will have to go to the school to fill out the enrollment forms.

Will siblings receive preference under COE?

Applicants with a verified sibling shall be noted and maintained in a sibling list. If one sibling is selected, other verified siblings will be given priority. Every effort will be made to place siblings at the same school. An application must be completed for each child. Siblings are defined as a brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, living in the same household. Verification will be required.

Will an application submitted on the first Monday in April be given preference over an application submitted later in April?

Applications submitted during the COE window are given equal consideration regardless of whether submitted on the first day of the window or the last day of the window. Remember this is a lottery process.

If my child is not selected through COE is there an appeal process?

No, COE is based strictly on capacity and on a lottery procedure.

Can I apply through a “hardship transfer” if my child isn’t placed through COE?

Not being selected by the lottery for COE does not constitute a hardship.

If my child has an IEP, 504 Plan is he/she eligible to apply for COE?

Yes. If accepted, an IEP team will convene to determine whether the needs of the student can be adequately addressed and that those services in the IEP can be provided at the chosen school. If not, the student will not be enrolled.  The District’s ESE department will serve on the IEP team.

My child is currently serving out-of-school suspension or recommended for expulsion. Can I request a transfer/placement through COE?

No. Student request for transfer/placement will not be approved through COE.  The student must complete the assigned disciplinary action

Will my child have to apply each year for COE?

No. Students who transfer/placed under COE may remain at the COE school until he/she completes the highest grade at the school. However, once the student completes the highest grade at the COE school the student must return to the zoned school or receive another lottery selection to another COE school. Non-Polk students must return to their school district if another lottery selection is not approved.

Does the Polk School District provide transportation to the COE school?

No transportation is provided by the district. Transportation is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.

Can my child’s COE transfer/placement be rescinded/revoked?

Yes. A COE transfer/placement can be if:

  • False information is provided, attendance, tardiness, late pick-ups or discipline incidents happen at the receiving COE school.

Is COE transfer/Placement option available for my pre-kindergarten child?

No. Pre-K programs are not mandatory; therefore, COE options are not available.