How to transfer to Seth Boyden after school starts?

I only recently found out about the combined first/second grade classes at Seth Boyden school. My daughter currently attends another school within the district, but I think she would be better suited in the mixed age class. I requested a transfer to Seth Boyden (which I've heard has room) and was denied because the school year has already started.

Has anyone successfully gotten their child transferred to Seth Boyden after the school year had started? If so, to whom did you appeal? Do I need to get a lawyer involved?

Thank you for your help.

I am chiming in as a mom with older kids and has been through the system for awhile.....

I think it would be very unusual for the school to permit a transfer during the school year-- there must be a very strong reason. I do not think that your interest in the multi-age would cut it. Also keep in mind that the multiage is usually a highly sought placement --probably no room.

I recommend that you focus on your concerns with her placement this year within your school that she is in ie communication with the teacher, principal.. You can apply for next year to SB.

From my experience all our schools are good!! Sometimes your kid will get a teacher that is not the right fit -- that could happen at any of the schools in the district.

Good luck

I had my child change classes after the year started and it was a nightmare involving the BOE. So it can be done, but it's not easy and can have a questionable outcome. I'd recommend you talk to the Principal at Seth Borden and see if there is room in that class and/or he thinks it's a good idea before pursuing it further.

I agree with maplegal. I'd take a deep breath and sit tight. Having a preference for another school - even a new class within your school- is not enough to necessitate a mid-year move. My guess is that it would take substantial event(s) for the district to entertain such an idea.

Just wanted to note that for the first time this year, all 1st and 2nd grade classes at Seth Boyden are Multi-Age. So a transfer would automatically get her into one.

I appreciate everyone's input. In addition to the benefits of a multi-age class, my daughter went to Seth Boyden last year and misses the school and her friends terribly. Her new teacher even called me to say that she never smiles in class. I see my child's emotional well being and interest in school slipping away. If I could pull her out and put her into a private school that would make her happy, I would. The problem is that all she wants to do is go back to Seth Boyden. It's very frustrating that I can't switch her back and disheartening for her.

Why didn't you continue her enrollment at Seth Boyden?

krnl said:
Why didn't you continue her enrollment at Seth Boyden?

I think that if the OP wanted to share that they would have.

I am wondering how they weren't aware of the 'all multiage' change since they were in the school though. Shouldn't that have been communicated pretty thoroughly - at least to the rising first and second grade families?

sac said:

krnl said:
Why didn't you continue her enrollment at Seth Boyden?

I think that if the OP wanted to share that they would have.
I am wondering how they weren't aware of the 'all multiage' change since they were in the school though. Shouldn't that have been communicated pretty thoroughly - at least to the rising first and second grade families?

I moved my daughter back to her zoned school because it was much closer to my house.

Seth Boyden never mentioned the multiage change until the last week of school. Unfortunately, I had to submit the request to go back to the zoned school back in March. Since the paperwork had already gone through, I thought I'd let my daughter try the new school before bothering the school disrtict again. When you elect to go to Seth Boyden, the district makes you sign a document stating that you cannot transfer to another school mid-year. However, when I switched to the zoned school, the district did not ask me to sign that agreement form. The registrar had told me that you usually can switch if there is enough room in the other school. Last I heard, Seth Boyden had low enrollment.

That statement about mid year transfers isn't on ALL transfer paperwork?

Have you contacted the school and the district? It sounds like you know more about the situation and requirements than most of us. Let us know what the steps are as you try it. I just seriously hope you can avoid any work by lawyers.

@GreenEyedChick-am PMing you with an idea.

Greeneyed chick thanks for sharing some more of the background here I see a little bit more of the emotional reasons.. i know how hard it is as a parent when your little one does not seem happy... some kids do not like changes and it is taking her a bit to feel comfortable.

Definitely go back and speak with the principal of SB and move up the ladder at the board of ed. I would not think an attorney would work in this matter (no legal grounds) and would cost you.

If it does not work to make play dates for your daughter to see her old friends ... have a meeting with the teacher to help her make new friends... the teacher has mentioned she is not smiling what does she think you should do??

ps kids change their minds pretty quickly...take a breath remember this is a long road there will be lots of bumps..

I would go to the new Superintendent . BOE is involved in policy and governance and not every day running of schools

Another suggestion is to focus on your daughters emotional needs rather than the multi age thing. The district takes that into consideration more than a request for a certain class, etc. also, I suggest going straight to our principal, Mr quiles.

The multi age change was literally made the last week of school with our teachers having to go to training over the summer. So unfortunately families couldn't be notified earlier. Also, the problem you may be running in to is that, SB gets a ton of students enrolled after school starts. Almost anyone who moves into the district after school starts is sent here as other schools close for new registrants. Which is why what was once "low enrollment" is now definitely at district averages (at least in kindergarten)

Thank you to everyone who posted or messaged me privately. I'm preparing an appeal now.