Transfer Overview

Polk County Public Schools students will attend their zoned schools unless approval is granted to transfer to another school, including schools in surrounding counties, pursuant to state law.

Parents may seek to enroll their children in a school other than their zoned school for a variety of reasons. During Controlled Open Enrollment, parents may apply to have their children placed in a school that has not reached capacity, meaning it has available seats. Controlled Open Enrollment allows school districts to make student school assignments based on the parent’s indicated school of choice.

Need Help?

The period for transfer requests is currently closed. Applications to participate in the Controlled Open Enrollment program for residents of Polk County are accepted beginning on the first Monday in April and ending on the last Friday in April. Applications to participate in the Controlled Open Enrollment program from non-residents of Polk County are accepted beginning on the first Monday in May and ending on the last Friday in May.

Apply Now!

Applications may be submitted online. Print copies of applications may be obtained at each school and submitted:

  • Electronically to COEApplications@polk-fl.net
  • By mail to the Pupil Accounting Office, P.O. Box 391, Bartow, FL 33831
  • In person at the Polk County Public Schools Administrative Offices, 1915 S. Floral Ave., Bartow
Apply Now

Other Important Information

A list of available schools will be posted prior to the application period opening.

Approved applicants will be notified in writing once the enrollment period ends. You are required to take your letter to your assigned school within 14 calendar days to obtain a class schedule and claim your seat.

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.

When does COE go into effect?

Beginning in April of each school year COE Schools will be available.

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 each school year.

What is the COE application process?

Applications will be available on the School District’s website during COE open enrollment. Applications will only be taken during the open enrollment window as indicated on the website for Polk and Non-Polk residents. Paper copies are available at each school for those without access to a computer.

How will the lottery work?

Parents can choose a primary (1st) and a secondary (2nd) choice for school request 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. There will be two separate lotteries with in-county and out-of-county students being numbered separately. The out-of-county applications will only be considered if there are still remaining open seats after the completion of the incounty lottery.

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 parent enrolls the student at the specified school using the enrollment approval letter.

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 April 2nd for Polk residents be given preference over an application submitted later in April? May 1st or later in May for non-Polk residents?

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.

If my child is not selected through the COE, will there be a wait list?

Yes. If seats re-open the student with the next number in the lottery will be notified and offered a seat. This process will only continue until the 8th day count. The list will then be dissolved.

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.

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.

Will my child have to apply each year for COE?

No, a student who transfer/placed under COE may remain at the COE School until he/she complete 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.

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

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

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.