Inter-District Transfers

Inter-District Transfers

An inter-district transfer is used when families wish to enroll their student in a school district other than the one assigned to their home address. This applies to students trying to transfer into and out of the Dixon Unified School District.

Overview

Dixon Unified School District (DUSD) is committed to meeting the educational needs of all students and families. While students generally attend school in the district where they live, families may request for their student to attend school in another district through an Interdistrict Transfer Permit.

Under California Education Code 46600, an interdistrict transfer requires approval from both the student’s district of residence and the district the student wishes to attend.

The information below explains DUSD’s process, requirements, and timelines for students requesting to transfer into or out of DUSD.

General Information

DUSD reviews interdistrict transfer requests in accordance with California law and Board Policy 5117 – Interdistrict Attendance. Please note:

• Transfer requests are reviewed individually based on established District criteria, available resources, and applicable law.
• Decisions to approve or deny a transfer are based on Board-approved policies and procedures.
• DUSD does not discriminate in its consideration of transfer requests based on race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, immigration status, English proficiency, family income, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
• Applications must be submitted during the application timelines listed below.
• Families may submit one outgoing interdistrict transfer application per student each school year.
• An outgoing application may identify one requested school in one school district.
• Outgoing interdistrict transfer permits are valid for one school year and must be renewed annually.
• Information about application procedures, timelines, appeals, and Board Policy 5117 – Interdistrict Attendance is available on this webpage.

Criteria for Outgoing Transfer Requests

DUSD reviews requests for students who live within DUSD boundaries and wish to attend another school district. In accordance with California law and District policy, an outgoing transfer request may be denied based on factors including:

• Fiscal Impact: The transfer would result in a significant negative fiscal impact to DUSD due to the loss of student enrollment and attendance funding.
• Enrollment or Program Considerations: The transfer would negatively affect enrollment, staffing, programs, or the District’s ability to effectively operate its schools.
• Availability of Programs: The educational program or services identified as the reason for the transfer are available within DUSD.
• District Transfer Limit: California law allows DUSD to limit outgoing interdistrict transfers when the number of students transferring out reaches 1% of the District’s estimated average daily attendance (ADA) for the current school year. Once this limit is reached, additional requests may be denied unless an exception is required by law or warranted under District policy.

Supporting Information

Families requesting an interdistrict transfer must identify the reason for the request on the application. DUSD requires documentation that supports the reason provided.

Meeting the application requirements or providing supporting documentation does not guarantee approval of an interdistrict transfer request.

Outgoing Transfers (Students Requesting to Leave DUSD)

DUSD may approve an outgoing interdistrict permit for the following reasons.

1. Parent Employment - At least one parent must physically work at least 35 hours per week within the requested school district.
   Required Proof:
   • A recent pay stub and/or letter from employer on official letterhead verifying hours, days, and location of employment.
   • If self-employed, a valid business license and a letter from business headquarters verifying hours and location.
   • Address verification for a self-employed applicant must be a physical address.

2. Specialized Comprehensive Programs - The student must have proof of acceptance into a specialized program not available at DUSD. Programs must be fully integrated into the core curriculum (sports, after-school programs, and clubs do not qualify).
   Required Proof:
   • Brochure or factsheet describing the specialized program.
   • Written proof of acceptance into the program.

3. Sibling Enrollment - Permits may be granted for students whose siblings are currently enrolled in the requested school.
   Required Proof:
   • Report card, transcript, or progress report of the enrolled sibling.

4. Childcare - Permits may be issued for students needing childcare within the requested district.
   Required Proof:
   • Childcare Affidavit signed by the parent and childcare provider.
   • Utility bill and ID for in-home providers or a copy of the facility’s childcare license.

5. Victim of Bullying or Safety Concerns - If a student has been determined by an investigation to be a victim of bullying (Education Code 48900(r)) or unsafe within DUSD.
   Required Proof:
   • District investigation finding or police report
   • Formal complaint filed with DUSD under Uniform Complaint Procedures.
   • Proof of an attempted intradistrict transfer before requesting an inter-district transfer (Elementary only)

6. Child of Active-Duty Military Personnel - The student must have a parent currently serving in full-time active duty in the United States Armed Forces.
   Required Proof:
   • Letter from commanding officer verifying active-duty status.
   • Recent pay stub.

7. Continuing Enrollment - Applicable only for continuing a previously approved Interdistrict Attendance Permit. Students who move outside DUSD boundaries may apply for a permit to continue attending their current school until they complete the school level.
   Required Proof:
   • Recent report card, progress report, or transcript showing current enrollment.

Application Process Instructions

DUSD will accept outgoing interdistrict transfer applications for the 2026-27 school year between the dates of January 1, 2026 - April 30, 2026.

DUSD will accept outgoing interdistrict transfer applications for the 2027-28 school year between the dates of January 1, 2027 - April 30, 2027.

Incoming inter-district permits may be granted for students to attend DUSD instead of their district of residence. The application window runs from January 1 through the end of the current school year.

Required documentation for the incoming/outgoing application depends on the type of permit requested. The parent/guardian must upload all required documents to the application within 15 days, or the application will be considered abandoned without an opportunity for appeal.

Applicants will receive and should keep a copy of submission confirmation for your records. Parents/Guardians are responsible for adhering to all application timelines and may email PGEgaHJlZj0ibWFpbHRvOnRyYW5zZmVyc0BkaXhvbnVuaWZpZWQub3JnIiB0YXJnZXQ9Il9ibGFuayIgcmVsPSJub29wZW5lciI+dHJhbnNmZXJzQGRpeG9udW5pZmllZC5vcmc8L2E+ to check the application status. Please note that it is the applicant's responsibility to provide proper documentation and evidence for the application's approval.

DUSD will accept outgoing interdistrict transfer applications for the 2027-28 school year between the dates of January 1, 2027 - April 30, 2027.

Check back here during this window for the link to complete an Interdistrict Transfer Application.