2025-26 In-District Transfer and Non-Resident Waiver Application Period For Secondary Schools

The Puyallup School District (PSD) is in the process of projecting enrollments and assigning staff for the 2025-2026 school year for junior high and high school students only.

Starting Tuesday, December 10, families can submit an In-District Transfer Request or Out-of-District Waiver for junior high and high school students for the 2025-26 school year. 

In-District Transfers

Students who live in the PSD Boundaries and wish to attend a school other than their resident school for the 2025-26 school year must complete the appropriate in-district transfer request.

Due to overcrowding and high enrollment, not every school in the Puyallup School District may be open for in-district transfers. Applications for enrollment in a closed school will automatically be denied unless you are a PSD employee requesting a transfer for your student to attend the school where you are assigned to work. 

In-District Transfer Approval Criteria

In-district transfer requests are considered on a first-come, first-served basis and are based on the following criteria:

• There is adequate capacity in the school (acceptance should not cause a hardship on resident students). The student demonstrates regular attendance, academic effort, and conformance with school disciplinary standards.
   
• The parent is willing and able to provide timely transportation. (In-district students will not be able to use the Puyallup School District transportation).
   
• The school offers a program suitable to meet the educational and other needs of the student.
   
• The request does not cause a financial burden to the Puyallup School District (waiver requests only).

In-District Transfer Request Application for the 2025-26 School Year (Opens Tuesday, December 10, at midnight)

Out-of-District Waivers and Choice Transfer Request

The Puyallup School District allows students living outside the district boundaries to request a waiver to attend a school in this district.

• New out-of-district applicants must submit a Non-Resident Application and complete an online Choice Transfer Request, which must be completed annually.
   
• Existing out-of-district families will only need to submit a Choice Transfer Request.

Criteria for Non-Resident Applicants

• Whether acceptance of a nonresident student would result in the district experiencing significant financial hardship (“financial hardship” does not include routine programmatic costs associated with serving additional disabled or non-disabled students);
   
• Whether adequate classroom space, facilities, and staff are available in the grade level or classes at the building in which the student desires to be enrolled;
   
• Whether appropriate educational programs or services are available to improve the student’s condition as stated in requesting release from his/her district of residence;
   
• Whether the student’s disciplinary records or other documentation indicate a history of convictions for offenses or crimes, violent or disruptive behavior, or gang membership; provided that for purposes of this section a “gang” is defined as a group that consists of three or more persons, has identifiable leadership, and on an on-going basis, regularly conspires and acts in concert mainly for criminal purposes as set forth in RCW 28A.225.225(2)(a) and (4)(b); and
   
• Whether the student has been expelled or suspended from a public school for more than ten consecutive days provided that the district’s regulations allow for readmission and re-engagement of expelled or suspended students will apply uniformly to both resident and nonresident applicants.

Puyallup School District Non-Resident Application for the 2025-26 School Year (Opens Tuesday, December 10, at midnight)

When Will The Applications Be Reviewed?

In-District Transfer Requests and Out-of-District Waivers for the 2025-26 school year will be reviewed on January 10, April 10, and June 1. Families should complete the process by January 10 for optimal consideration.

Acceptance or denial of applications received by January 10 will be communicated to parents by February 28.

Applications submitted after the third due date in June may not be considered until after the fourth day of school in September.

When Can I Submit a 2025-26 In-District Transfer or Out-of-District Waiver For Elementary Students?

Elementary applications will open on Friday, February 14, 2025.

Any Additional Questions?

 Questions regarding the application process may be directed to waivers@puyallupsd.org.