Application to go to a different elementary school

[Anonymous]

What's the name of the application or process associated with trying to get your child into a different elementary school?

Yes I've read about how difficult it can be, and how almost no one ever gets approved, but I'd like to try. To make a long story short, due to a severe physical/mental disability in 1 kid and age differences in the other 2 "typical" kids we are on a course to send 3 kids to 3 different MCPS elementary schools at the same time when there is 1 particular school (actually, and oddly enough, it's the closest) that could take all 3 at the same time.

Again, I know it's difficult, and hardly anyone is every approved and that there's always someone with a sob story more heartbreaking than ones own, but you have to try. Who do you typically talk to to get the process started. Thanks in advance.

[Anonymous]

COSA--Change of School Assignment.

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/transfers/

[Anonymous]

Good luck. Prepare to be rejected and appeal, and appeal, and appeal again.

I do know people who have succeeded.

[Anonymous]

I know someone who had a special needs child who was placed out of the neighborhood school. Her other child was able to easily join her at the other school. I would contact that one particular school directly.

[Anonymous]

Having a child in a special education program and requesting for all to go there is one of the few cases that will typically be approved.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know someone who had a special needs child who was placed out of the neighborhood school. Her other child was able to easily join her at the other school. I would contact that one particular school directly.

The receiving school can't do anything. OP needs to apply for a COSA.

[Anonymous]

I suggested calling the school as they probably know the exact terminology etc to use in your request since it is done regularly based on the presence of the special needs program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I suggested calling the school as they probably know the exact terminology etc to use in your request since it is done regularly based on the presence of the special needs program.

Calling both schools is a good idea actually. The school you're zoned for hast to approve the transfer, so being on good terms with them, clear and upfront about your goals and intentions, can't hurt.