Types of Transfers
Families may take advantage of Florida’s Controlled Open Enrollment (COE) Process to apply for open seats at schools outside their zoned area based on availability. This flexible option gives every student the chance to find the right fit in St. Johns County’s #1-rated public schools.
Pursuant to HB 7029, and SB 2524 and 1002.31 F.S., parents seeking additional choice options for their student may take advantage of Florida’s Controlled Open Enrollment (COE) Process to enroll their child in any school in the state that has not reached capacity (available seats). A list of schools accepting COE students will be released prior to each application window. Parents will fill out an application for each school they would like their child to attend during the application window. Assignments will be made through a random lottery system, if capacity is available within the applicable grade. Siblings will be provided a preference in the lottery. Transfers are granted through completion of the highest grade at the school. IEP requirements cannot be guaranteed for students accepting a transfer through COE.
Schools with Availability
Elementary Schools
- John A. Crookshank Elementary School
- Cunningham Creek Elementary School
- W. D. Hartley Elementary School
- Hickory Creek Elementary School
- Julington Creek Elementary School
- Ketterlinus Elementary School
- Ocean Palms Elementary School
- Osceola Elementary School
- Otis A. Mason Elementary School
- Palencia Elementary School
- PVPV-Rawlings Elementary School
- Timberlin Creek Elementary School
- James A. Webster Elementary School
K-8 Schools
Middle Schools
Parents of students in 5th, 8th, and 9th grade may request a transfer for their child to enroll in a career academy or program of interest not offered at their home school. Programs of interest include High School Career Academies, IB and AICE acceleration programs, ROTC and in middle school, a Center for the Arts program.
Since July 2022, the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities has been available for students with an IEP. This scholarship offers students with special needs the opportunity to attend a participating private school or an out-of-district public school if there is space available and your child’s IEP needs can be met at the school you are requesting.
If you are interested in public school choice in district, you must contact the ESE Department. Family Empowerment Unique Abilities zone transfers will be accepted during the following time periods:
- For semester 1 – request must be submitted by August 1
- For semester 2 – request must be submitted by December 1
A student may be granted a hardship transfer when a condition or situation exists that implies an adverse or compelling circumstance or a state of misfortune unique to that student’s life or a family’s life situation. The situation could impact the student’s ability to achieve success at their zoned school.
Any parent or legal guardian employed full-time by SJCSD may request a transfer for their child to attend the school in which they work, or the school closest to their primary work location if a different grade level.
All types of student transfers are described in the SJCSD’s Student Assignment and Choice Plan.
Important Things to Note
- Transportation to and from the transfer school is the responsibility of the parent or guardian.
- Transfer Applications are for the current application window and the designated start date.
- Students who are subject to a suspension or expulsion at their zoned school are not eligible for controlled open enrollment transfers.
- Student hardships are available for residents within St. Johns County only.
- Student Hardship Transfer and Employee Transfer requests must be renewed each year.
How to Apply
Applications are available for each transfer option at the appropriate time on the school district’s website.
Director: Emily Harrison
Director: David Simpkins
Director: Michelle Curtin
Director: David Simpkins
Contact: Kelly Foss
