Welcome to the Tustin Unified School District Transfers Page

Transfer Request Process is best experienced on a desktop or laptop.

Helpful Links

Important Information:

2023-24 Transfer Application Period closed on January 27 at 3:00 pm. Applications submitted after this window (January 27, 2023 at 3:00 pm) will receive notification AFTER all applications have been processed and those late applications will be processed on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS rather than the “space availability” guidelines.

All applications are submitted online. See options under "Ready to start your Transfer Request?"

Magnet & Thematic Programs Offered

Columbus Tustin

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA
PRE-PATHWAY
PROGRAM (6-8)

Heritage

SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING ARTS
MATH (TK-5TH)

Legacy Magnet Academy

TECHNOLOGY
INNOVATION
DESIGN
ENTREPRENEURSHIP (6-12)

Sycamore Magnet Academy

SPANISH DUAL IMMERSION TK-8
GLOBAL AWARENESS
MEDIA ARTS
COMMUNICATION TECH

Tustin Connect

K-12 BLENDED ONLINE
LEARNING SCHOOL

Tustin Memorial Academy

APL & GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION (K-5)

Comprehensive Secondary Programs

Hewes Middle School

EXPLORATORY
COMPREHENSIVE
MIDDLE SCHOOL
EXPERIENCE (6-8)

Orchard Hills School

EXPLORATORY
COMPREHENSIVE
MIDDLE SCHOOL
EXPERIENCE (K-8)

Pioneer Middle School

EXPLORATORY
COMPREHENSIVE
MIDDLE SCHOOL
EXPERIENCE (6-8)

Utt Middle School

EXPLORATORY
COMPREHENSIVE
MIDDLE SCHOOL
EXPERIENCE (6-8)

Beckman High School

HOME
OF THE
PATRIOTS (9-12)

Foothill High School

HOME
OF THE
KNIGHTS (9-12)

Tustin High School

HOME
OF THE
TILLERS (9-12)

Elementary Schools

Arroyo

(K-5)

Benson

(K-5)

Beswick

(K-5)

Estock

(K-5)

Guin Foss

(K-5)

Heideman

(K-5)

Hicks Canyon

(K-5)

Ladera

(K-5)

Loma Vista

(K-5)

Myford

(K-5)

Nelson

(K-5)

(K-8)

(K-5)

(K-5)

(K-5)

The Transfer Request process is necessary for any student who would like to attend a Tustin Unified school located outside of their residence school boundary.

While students traditionally attend the school assigned to their residential area, the Board of Education recognizes some families may wish to choose a different school. TUSD has designated specific guidelines and application period for families to request a transfer. Transfer Requests are not first come, first served; Transfer Requests are processed through a random and unbiased manner. Transfers are granted to qualified students based on space availability. If there are more qualified Transfer Requests than spaces, a lottery is held. Once a school or grade reaches capacity, other sites may be offered. All decisions are FINAL.

What kind of Transfer Request do you need?

NOT SURE

Use the Tustin Unified School Locator to confirm residence school. If you wish to enroll in your school of residence, DO NOT complete a transfer request below. Create a new student enrollment record in the Enrollment section and contact the assigned school.

INTERDISTRICT

Residents of other Orange County School Districts. If the student’s residence is not within the Tustin Unified School District (TUSD) boundaries, and they wish to attend a TUSD school for the 2023-2024 school year, or the student is a current Tustin Unified TK, 5th or 8th grader and wishes to continue attending Tustin Unified as they matriculate to a new school, may be admitted as an INTERDISTRICT Transfer student. Current TUSD students outside of grades TK, 5^th, or 8^th grade living out of district need only to renew their interdistrict attendance permit from the district of residence. A TUSD School of Choice Request (in Aeries) is not necessary unless the student is changing schools due to choice or matriculation.

Interdistrict Transfer Procedures, School Availability, & Information

Interdistrict Transfer Procedures, School Availability, & Information

Terms and Conditions

All Transfer Requests:
By submitting a request for transfer, you agree that you have read and understand all sections of the Interdistrict Transfer Procedures, School Availability, & Information and agree to accept TUSD’s Transfer Terms and Conditions below:

You are the parent, guardian, or caregiver of the named student.
You have read all sections of the Interdistrict Transfer Procedures, School Availability, & Information
Only one (1) Transfer Request may be submitted per school year and once submitted, it cannot be changed or withdrawn after submission.
TUSD’s placement decision is final.
If approved, your student may not be permitted to transfer to any other school in the District during the 2023- 24 school year and may be denied enrollment at the school of residence if capacity has been reached.
Mid-year transfers of enrolled residents are not accepted.
A transfer permit may be denied or revoked for any of the following reasons:
1. truancy, excessive tardiness or class cuts
2. poor behavior/citizenship
3. providing false or incomplete information
4. space availability
5. program impact.
All California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) rules and regulations regarding transfers and athletic eligibility are applicable.
Transfer students are not eligible to participate in the school bus transportation program. It is your responsibility to provide safe and timely transportation to and from school.
All information provided to TUSD relating to this transfer request is certified to be complete, true, correct, and you agree with all conditions related to this application.
Approved transfers must pre-enroll if they are new to TUSD or register if a continuing TUSD student changing schools by the date included in your approval notification. Failure may result in the loss of your approved seat to another student.

Decisions on all complete requests will be sent in spring, 2023.

Incomplete Transfer Requests will not be processed, make sure all requested items are submitted.

ALL DECISIONS ARE FINAL.

Priority of Processing

Qualified students will be accepted if space is available, during the transfer window, in the following order:

Any transfer students continuing at the same school
TUSD residents whose parent/guardian is a contracted TUSD employee at the requested school*
TUSD residents whose parent/guardian is a contracted TUSD employee
TUSD residents who live in a designated priority area (Check the School Locator)
Siblings of continuing TUSD residents who will continue to attend requested school
All other TUSD residents
Out-of-District residents whose parent/guardian is a contracted TUSD employee at the requested school*
Out-of-District residents whose parent/guardian is a contracted TUSD employee
Siblings of Out-of-District residents who will continue to attend the requested school
Out-of-District residents continuing with TUSD and requesting a new school
All other Out-of-District residents

Lottery Information

School Availability

Visit the Schools section for a complete list of schools

Schools Closed for Transfers 2023-24

The following schools are closed for transfer applications:

Estock Elementary School
Orchard Hills grades K-8
Tustin Memorial Academy

Schools Approaching Capacity 2023-24

The following schools are approaching capacity and have limited availability*:

Arroyo Elementary
Beckman High
Heritage Elementary
Legacy Magnet Academy
Loma Vista Elementary
Sycamore Magnet Academy
Tustin Memorial Academy
Tustin Ranch Elementary

*Recommended to select a 2nd choice if applying for a transfer to one of these schools.

Transfer Request Procedures

Step 1:

Complete the Interdistrict Application from your District of Residence. (This typically can be found on the District of Residence website or you can contact the district directly via email or phone.)

Step 2:

Starting January 9, 2023, you can login or create a new Aeries Parent Portal Account and request a transfer to a TUSD school. Please do not create a new account if you already have a TUSD Parent Portal account.

Step 3:

NEW students entering grades 2-12, submit the following documents:

Current Transcript or last report card.
Current attendance.
Copy of IEP (if applicable).
Current discipline record or statement signed and dated by school office personnel.

These documents can be submitted electronically via email at transfers@mytusd.org or you can drop it off in person at the Transfers Office, 14741 North B Street, Tustin, 92780.

Once received, TUSD will begin the review process. Final notification will be sent via email if the Transfer Request has been approved or denied.

INTRADISTRICT

Tustin Unified School District residents entering grades K-12 may submit a request to transfer to a school that is not their school of residence.

To enroll in your school of residence: DO NOT complete a transfer request below. You'll create a new student enrollment record in the Enrollment section to enroll and contact the school with any questions.

New TK students: DO NOT complete a transfer request below. You'll create a new student enrollment record in the Enrollment section to enroll. You'll select your school site preferences during enrollment. Contact your school of residence with any questions.

Intradistrict Transfer Procedures, School Availability, & Information

Intradistrict Transfer Procedures, School Availability, & Information

Terms and Conditions

You are the parent, guardian, or caregiver of the named student.
You have read all sections of the Interdistrict Transfer Procedures, School Availability, & Information
Only one (1) Transfer Request may be submitted per school year and once submitted, it cannot be changed or withdrawn after submission.
TUSD’s placement decision is final.
If approved, your student may not be permitted to transfer to any other school in the District during the 2023- 24 school year and may be denied enrollment at the school of residence if capacity has been reached.
Mid-year transfers of enrolled residents are not accepted.
A transfer permit may be denied or revoked for any of the following reasons:
1. truancy, excessive tardiness or class cuts
2. poor behavior/citizenship
3. providing false or incomplete information
4. space availability
5. program impact.
All California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) rules and regulations regarding transfers and athletic eligibility are applicable.
Transfer students are not eligible to participate in the school bus transportation program. It is your responsibility to provide safe and timely transportation to and from school.
All information provided to TUSD relating to this transfer request is certified to be complete, true, correct, and you agree with all conditions related to this application.
Approved transfers must pre-enroll if they are new to TUSD or register if a continuing TUSD student changing schools by the date included in your approval notification. Failure may result in the loss of your approved seat to another student.

Decisions on all complete requests will be sent in spring, 2023. Incomplete Transfer Requests will not be processed.

ALL DECISIONS ARE FINAL.

Priority of Processing

Qualified students will be accepted if space is available, during the transfer window, in the following order:

Any transfer students continuing at the same school
TUSD residents whose parent/guardian is a contracted TUSD employee at the requested school*
TUSD residents whose parent/guardian is a contracted TUSD employee
TUSD residents who live in a designated priority area (Check the School Locator)
Siblings of continuing TUSD residents who will continue to attend requested school
All other TUSD residents
Out-of-District residents whose parent/guardian is a contracted TUSD employee at the requested school*
Out-of-District residents whose parent/guardian is a contracted TUSD employee
Siblings of Out-of-District residents who will continue to attend the requested school
Out-of-District residents continuing with TUSD and requesting a new school
All other Out-of-District residents

Lottery Information

School Availability

Visit the Schools section for a complete list of schools

Schools Closed for Transfers 2023-24:

The following schools are closed for transfer applications:

Estock Elementary School
Orchard Hills grades K-8
Tustin Memorial Academy

Schools Approaching Capacity 2023-24:

The following schools are approaching capacity and have limited availability*:

Arroyo Elementary
Beckman High
Heritage Elementary
Legacy Magnet Academy
Loma Vista Elementary
Sycamore Magnet Academy
Tustin Memorial Academy
Tustin Ranch Elementary

*Recommended to select a 2nd choice when applying for a transfer to one of these schools.

Transfer Request Procedures

Step 1:

Step 2:

Submit Documentation (if applicable)

New students with an IEP: Submit a copy of the student's IEP.

Once received, TUSD will begin the review process. IEP documents, if requested, can be sent via email to transfers@mytusd.org or can be dropped at the Transfers Office, 14741 North B Street, Tustin, 92780.

Ready to start your Transfer Request?

Important - Please read the options below carefully to select the correct option that pertain to your situation.

New Student(s) to Tustin Unified

Please read completely

If you do not have a TUSD Aeries Parent Portal account and your student is new to Tustin Unified, create a new Aeries Parent Portal account to request a transfer.

If you are making Transfer Requests for multiple students, be prepared to complete all Transfer Requests in one session and do the following.

Create your new Aeries Parent Portal for the first student (New tab will open in browser)
Return to the Transfers page (this page) Continue to step 3.
Click here to add a new sibling/student to your Aeries Parent Portal to request a transfer (If you get a blank page please Turn off Preview Aeries Preview Mode, then Add new sibling/student)
Continue to add students until you have completed all Transfer Requests.

Do not log out of the TUSD Aeries Parent Portal until you have completed all Transfer Requests. Check your email for a confirmation message for each application submitted. You may review the details of each student transfer request by selecting it in your Parent Portal.

Current Tustin Unified Student(s)

Please read completely

If your student is currently enrolled in a TUSD school and you would like to request a transfer to a different TUSD school: please Request a transfer.

1. Sign in to your Aeries Parent Portal (New tab will open in browser)

NOTE: Make sure you have the correct student profile selected before starting the request.

Check your email for a confirmation message for each application submitted. You may review the details of each student transfer request by selecting it in your Parent Portal.

Add New Sibling/Student(s) to Existing Parent Portal

Please read completely

If you have a student currently enrolled in TUSD and you would like to add a new sibling/student (who is new to TUSD) to your Aeries Parent Portal to request a transfer please perform the following steps.

Sign in to your Aeries Parent Portal (New tab will open in browser)
Return to the Transfers page.
Add new sibling/student to existing parent portal. (If you get a blank page please Turn off Preview Aeries Preview Mode, then Add new sibling/student)

Do not log out of the TUSD Aeries Parent Portal until you have completed all Transfer Requests. Check your email for a confirmation message for each student transfer request. You may review the details of your application by selecting it in your Parent Portal.

If you are unsure which option to choose, please contact the Transfers office by phone at 714-730-7301, ext. 51317 or email the Transfers office at transfers@mytusd.org and we can assist.

If you experience technical errors or login issues with your established Aeries Parent Portal account, please visit our Tustin USD Portal Support page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Transfer Requests processed "First Come/First Served?"

ALL Transfer Requests submitted during the Priority Period (JAN 9 - 27, 2023) are NOT FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED;
- Transfer Requests are processed based on the guidelines above.
- Transfers are granted to qualified students based on space availability. If there are more qualified students than spaces, a lottery is held.
ALL Transfer Requests submitted as of January 27, 2023 @ 3:31 pm and after are processed based on "space available" basis at the requested site.
- What does this mean?
  - A school or grade may become closed based on the number of seats available.
  - These Transfer Requests will be processed on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS.
  - If there is no space available at your requested site, the TUSD will make every effort to find a Tustin school that works for your student and family.
- Transfer Requests submitted after the priority window will receive notification AFTER all priority Transfer Requests have been processed.

What if my student has an IEP?

When will I receive a transfer decision?

Transfer Requests received during the open Transfer Request period, January 9-27, 2023: Decisions will be updated in the Parent Portal and notification of decision email can be expected by March 31. Decisions may be delayed in some instances. Check your application in the Parent Portal for the status.
Transfer Requests received after 3 pm on January 27, 2023: Decisions will be updated in the Parent Portal and notification of decision emailed after March 31, depending on availability. Check your application in the Parent Portal for the status.
Applications received after May 1 , 2023 can expect decisions beginning July 29.

What if my student lives out of the District boundaries?

Step 1: To request a new or different school for 2022-23, complete a Transfer Request online or contact the Student Transfers office. CURRENT Out of District students who wish to continue with TUSD at the same school do NOT need to reapply as a transfer, but will need to submit a signed interdistrict transfer Agreement commonly referred to as a “release” or “permit” from your district of residence.

Step 2: Submit the following documents either online (transfers@mytusd.org) or in person at 14741 North B Street, Tustin 92780

ALL OUT OF DISTRICT STUDENTS

A signed Interdistrict transfer Agreement commonly referred to as a “release” or “permit” from your district of residence.
All Special Education Students need the most current signed IEP (If applicable)

·ALL STUDENTS NEW TO TUSD IN GRADES 2 through 12 MUST ALSO SUBMIT:

a current transcript or last report card
a current attendance record
a current discipline report.
- If unavailable, a statement of the student’s discipline record on school letterhead, signed and dated by school office personnel, is permitted.

What if I have more than one student?

A Transfer Request MUST be submitted for EACH Student requesting a transfer. If you are creating Transfer Requests for multiple students be prepared to complete all Transfer Requests in one session. After you created your new Aeries Parent Portal for the first student do not log out and return to the Transfers page then add a new sibling/student to your Aeries Parent Portal to request a transfer. Continue to add students until you have completed all Transfer Requests.

What is an Interdistrict Transfer Agreement and when is it due?

An Interdistrict Transfer Agreement is a document used when a parent wishes to enroll their child in a school that is not in the district they live in. Out of district students to TUSD must obtain an Interdistrict Transfer Agreement from their home district every school year. An Interdistrict Transfer Agreement is sometimes called a "Permit" or "Release." Interdistrict Agreements for the 2023-24 School Year are due prior to enrolling. For 2023-2024, they are due by May 10, 2023.

Is every school a "lottery school?"

The best way to answer this question would be to say that each school and each grade within each school has the potential to become a lottery. TUSD Lotteries do take into account the established priorities for processing applications.

Lotteries are conducted whenever the number of requests exceeds space available.

Simple Example:

Franklin School (Sample)
- 10 Seats Available in Grade 5
  - 7 TUSD Resident Transfer Requests
    - No Lottery Needed
    - ALL 7 TUSD Residents Approved
  - 10 Qualified Out of District Transfer Requests
    - 3 Remaining Seats
    - Lottery Held for remaining 3 Seats
      - 3 Approved
      - 7 Denied or Possible Second Choice School
- 25 Seats Available in Grade 4
  - 5 TUSD Resident Transfer Requests
  - 5 Qualified Out of District Transfer Requests
  - ALL 10 Transfer Requests Approved
    - No Lottery Needed

How are the Lotteries Conducted?

What if I am a CURRENT INTERDISTRICT TRANSFER (live outside of the TUSD) and I wish for my child to continue at the same school in TUSD?

Current grade K-11 students:

If you are currently attending a TUSD School on a transfer in grades K-11 and wish to continue at the same school next year, you need to obtain an Interdistrict Attendance Permit from your district of residence and confirm it has been submitted to TUSD. That's it. Continuing interdistrict transfers at the same school do not need to complete the online application to continue at the same school. The only time a student needs to reapply is when they are changing schools (e.g. middle school to high school). In that case, you would need to apply for a new school through your parent portal as well as obtain the release from your school of residence.

Current TK students:

TK students do not automatically continue in their current school. TK students do need the online application to request a TUSD school for Kindergarten. You need to obtain an Interdistrict Attendance Permit from your district of residence and confirm it has been sent to TUSD.

I don't live in the district. Can I appeal TUSD's transfer decision?

Interdistrict Transfer Appeal Process: If an Interdistrict Transfer agreement request is denied, the parent/guardian has the opportunity to appeal the decision to the TUSD Transfer Review Committee within 10 calendar days of the date of the denial. The link to appeal a denied transfer is provided in the notification email. If the parent/guardian is not satisfied with the response from the TUSD Transfer Review Committee, they may appeal to the Board and Superintendent's designee overseeing the transfer process. If the parent/guardian is not satisfied with the decision from the Assistant Superintendent, they may appeal within 30 days of the final denial notification, to the Orange County Department of Education, 200 Kalmus Drive, Costa Mesa, CA, provided the above steps have been followed.

Interdistrict Attendance Permits to Attend in Another School District

For TUSD families that wish to have their students attend school in another district, an Interdistrict Attendance Agreement applies. A student needs an approved Interdistrict Attendance Permit to attend a school that is not in the district. Interdistrict permits are valid for one year only and must be renewed annually. An approved Interdistrict agreement must be in effect between the district of residence and the school district of desired attendance before a student can attend the desired school. Parents should contact the district they wish to attend to find out if they are accept interdistrict requests.

The Interdistrict Transfer Release from TUSD is intended for TUSD Residents who wish to attend non-TUSD schools. If you are looking for an Interdistrict Transfer permit from TUSD to another district, complete an application here: Interdistrict Attendance Permit Application

Requests will be processed in accordance with CA Ed Code.
Final decision notification will come from the school district you are requesting to attend.
Permit applications for the 2023-24 school year will be accepted beginning February 1, 2023.

Financial Conditions

Interdistrict attendance agreements shall be non-tuition unless Federal Impact Aid is involved. Under a non-tuition agreement, the financial apportionment for regular education students shall be credited to the district of attendance and not the district of residence.