3141P Inter-District Transfers: Non-Resident Students

Consistent with Chapter 28A.225 RCW, any student who resides outside the Issaquah School District may apply to attend a school within the District. All applications are considered on an equal basis and evaluated annually, taking into account available capacity and program offerings. The District provides access to its inter-district enrollment policies for nonresident students on its website and, upon request, in writing. Information outlining enrollment options for parents and guardians is also made available as prepared annually by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). 

 

1.   Assignment of Students

a.    Duration of Assignment 

Non-resident assignments are effective for one academic year only. Non-resident students must submit a Choice Transfer Request every academic year to request enrollment in Issaquah School District (ISD). Students who move out of the district during the academic year must apply for non-resident enrollment to continue. 

Once accepted, nonresident students may continue in their approved school’s feeder pattern through graduation, provided they remain in good academic standing, and an annual Choice Transfer Request is submitted. 

b.    Admission Criteria 

ISD will consider non-resident applications except in the following circumstances: 

• No space available in the desired grade level, class, or program. 
• Acceptance would result in financial hardship for ISD. 
• Disciplinary records indicate a history of violent or disruptive behavior, gang membership, or expulsion/suspension for more than ten consecutive days. 
• Enrollment would displace a resident student (resident students have priority for continued enrollment). 
• Application is incomplete. 
•  

ISD will consider applications that meet one or more of the following: 

• Discipline record verifies no history of violent/disruptive behavior or gang membership; no expulsion/suspension for more than ten consecutive days.
• Request for continued enrollment after a move, with proof of new address.
• Placement is more accessible to parent/guardian’s work or childcare (documentation required). 
• Severe hardship (documentation required). 
• Sibling currently enrolled in requested school (both siblings must attend same school, same year). 
• Children of eligible full- or part-time district employees may enroll at the school of assignment or within its feeder pattern. Once enrolled, they may continue through graduation regardless of the parent’s employment status, provided a Choice Transfer

Request is submitted each year. The Superintendent shall accept the transfer request unless the nonresident student meets disqualifying criteria. 

 

2.   Application Process

a.    Application Requirements 

Applications must be submitted via the OSPI Choice Transfer Request Portal (https://eds.ospi.k12.wa.us/choicetransferrequest) or submitted through your resident school district administration office.. Required documentation includes Choice Transfer Request form, ISD Non-Resident Application Form, discipline documentation, Special Education/504 plan if applicable, and any additional documentation required by admission criteria. 

 

3.   Timelines

 Application dates will be posted on the District website. 

 

4.   Prioritization 

Applications from children of district employees are processed first, followed by renewal applicants wishing to continue in their current school, then siblings attending the same school, same year. All other completed applications processed in order received. 

 

5.   Appeal Process 

If denied, parent/guardian may appeal to the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) within thirty calendar days of written notice. Appeals follow OSPI’s established procedures under RCW 28A.225.230. 

 

6.   Special Programs 

Students with IEPs or Section 504 Plans must submit additional documentation. Failure to provide documentation may result in revocation of enrollment. 

 

7.   Transportation 

Parents/guardians are responsible for transportation and supervision to/from school or nearest bus route with space available. Exceptions may apply under Section 504 or IDEA. 

 

8.   Sports Eligibility

 Secondary students approved for Inter-district Transfers are subject to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) eligibility rules.