How to Transfer High Schools in New York City

Co-authored by Alicia Oglesby and Amy Bobinger, BA

Last Updated: August 16, 2023

Whether you’re moving to a new neighborhood or you and your parents feel like your current high school isn’t meeting your academic needs, transferring to a new high school in New York City can be an opportunity for a fresh start. Visit a Family Welcome Center to begin the application process. Once your transfer is approved, start taking steps to get settled in at your new school.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Qualifying for a Transfer

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The Office of Student Enrollment generally approves transfers when a student moves to a new area or can demonstrate that attending their current school creates hardships that a new one would relieve. These hardships can be related to travel, safety, or a medical condition. A student may also be approved for a guidance transfer if their school is not a good fit academically or socially.
You and your parents should discuss whether or not a transfer will be good for the family. They may have concerns, such as whether or not a transfer will address the problems you have at your old school or how they will transport you back and forth to your new school. Listen to their advice as you make your decision, but also take the time to clearly explain your thoughts.

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If you request a transfer, your school must meet with you to discuss the transfer request. They are also required to give you any paperwork you request that could support your reason to transfer.
Gather any documents which can demonstrate to the Office of Student Enrollment that the transfer request is valid. If the transfer request is medical, for instance, ask your doctor to write a letter recommending you transfer schools. If you are transferring schools due to safety issues, get copies of school occurrence reports or police reports regarding any threats or incidents that have taken place.
The Office of Student Enrollment makes the final decision on which school you’ll transfer to, but your request may influence their ruling. If you’re transferring due to a move, it’s easier to know what school you’ll be going to. Contact the new school to ask them about touring the facility.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Applying for a Transfer

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1
Pick up a transfer request form from a Family Welcome Center. New York City has 12 Family Welcome Centers available to help families navigate the enrollment process from pre-K through high school, including transfers. Obtain a transfer request form from your nearest Family Welcome Center.
- The staff at the Family Welcome Center nearest you can offer you important advice and resources as you go through the transfer application process.
These should be included with your official transfer application. If you can’t find any official documentation, you and your parents can write letters stating your reasons for wanting a transfer.
Make sure your form has been filled out completely, then bring it back to the Family Welcome Center. The Office of Student Enrollment will review your request and will notify you whether or not it has been approved.
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Continue attending your old school while your request is being processed. This can take several weeks, and you will be expected to continue attending class at your current school until your transfer is approved.
- To check the status of a high school transfer in New York City, contact the Department of Education at (718)935-2399 or email HS_Enrollment@schools.nyc.gov. ^{[1]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Settling in at Your New School

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It can take a little time to adjust to a new school . Before you start class, meet with the guidance counselor and ask for help during your first few days. They can help you get used to your new schedule, show you where your classes are, and help you find upcoming events or activities you might be interested in. Some schools will even assign another student to help you navigate your early days. ^{[2]
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Look for ways to get involved in some of your favorite activities in your new high school. If you loved playing basketball at your old school, for instance, ask the coach about joining the team at your new school. Getting involved in an activity you love will help you feel a little more comfortable as you transition to your new school. ^{[3]
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Try to transfer at the beginning of a new school year or semester. You can’t control when your parents move, but if you’re choosing to transfer, try to apply during summer or winter break so that you can start at the beginning of a new semester. This is when most new students will be enrolling, so you won’t have to worry as much about standing out.
- If you do have to transfer in the middle of the year, remember that you’re probably not the first new student who’s ever joined the school. Make the most of being the new kid at school by keeping a positive attitude and staying excited about your fresh start.
You might be worried that changing schools means you’ll lose your friends, but these days it’s easier than ever to stay in touch. Show your friends that you’re still interested by sending them texts or tagging them in something funny on social media that reminds you of them. If you still live close enough, try to set aside at least one weekend each month to hang out. ^{[4]
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Try to make new friends. While you don’t want to ignore your old friends, you should also try to make the most of your fresh start by making friends at your new school . It might seem hard at first to make friends with your new classmates, but try not to be shy. Just be friendly and smile. Your personality will show through and you’ll find your new crowd. ^{[5]
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- New York has a ton of cool things to do. Ask your old friends to meet you at a museum or a park that you’ve never been to before. You can even invite some of your new friends to join you! This can be a great way to see friends that you miss while getting closer to some of your new friends.
Getting used to a new school can take a while, and transferring schools doesn’t always make the problems from your old school disappear. If you were bad at math, for instance, you might still struggle in that class. Don’t get frustrated, though — with a little patience, you might find that your new math teacher helps you understand equations in a way that will actually make sense to you. ^{[6]
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