Student Transfers

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

2026 - 2027 School Year
MPUSD Student Transfer Information (Elementary, TK-8, and Middle Schools)

The student transfer window to transfer a child from one elementary, TK-8, and middle school to another within the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District will open January 12, 2026, and run through February 13, 2026.

➡️ This applies to elementary, TK-8 or middle school students only. The student transfer window for high schools closed on December  12, 2025.

How to Apply

Parents/guardians interested in requesting a transfer must complete an online transfer request form for elementary, TK-8, or middle school during the open window.

• Need help? School site offices can assist and have technology available to help families complete the form.

• Transfer Office Contact: (831) 392-3983 or [email protected]

This period is the only opportunity to request a transfer from one elementary, TK-8, or middle school to another within MPUSD for the 2026 - 2027 school year. All forms must be submitted by Friday, February 13, 2026, at 3:30 p.m.

Important Notes

🔹 Transfers are based on space availability at each school.
🔹 Students currently on a transfer are automatically renewed; no action is required to keep your student at their current school.
🔹 Students entering 7th grade will automatically roll over to the middle school within the same learning community that they are currently attending.

Out-of-District Transfers

Families with out-of-district transfers must complete both steps below:

1. Complete the MPUSD transfer form to confirm your student’s return for 2026 - 2027.

2. Renew the Interdistrict Transfer (IDT) with your district of residence once that process opens.
   This is a two-part process for out-of-district families.

Returning to Your School of Residence

If you wish for your student to return to the school nearest your residency, please immediately notify your school of residence so the district may plan accordingly.

Example: If your student attends Los Arboles Middle School, lives in Monterey, and you want them to attend Monterey High School, please contact Monterey High School and enroll your student with proof of residency.

Transfer Priorities

Students who meet the following criteria will receive first consideration for available space:

• Sibling(s) currently enrolled at the requested school

• MPUSD employee

• Special circumstances (medical, safety, or harmful situations; documentation required)

Notification

• Transfer approvals will be announced by April 2026.

Transportation

Please note: Transportation is not provided for students on intra-district transfers, except in cases required by law.

Need Help?

Contact your school’s Office Supervisor or the District Transfer Office at:

📞 (831) 392-3983
📧 [email protected]

INTERDISTRICT TRANSFER

If you do not live in the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District attendance area (e.g., Marina, Monterey, Seaside, Sand City or Del Rey Oaks) and want to attend an MPUSD school:

The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District accepts interdistrict transfer requests from students in transitional kindergarten through 12th grade who live outside of MPUSD boundaries and wish to attend an MPUSD school upon space available.

In October 2024, MPUSD announced an important update regarding interdistrict transfers (students transferring into MPUSD from another school district) that may affect your family. Due to the need to meet the growing demand within our district, we are introducing an updated policy for renewals. 

It has always been part of MPUSD’s processes to have families annually renew their student transfer; however, the district has automatically rolled the transfer over from the previous year. Moving forward, all families with current interdistrict transfers will need to reapply for renewal so that MPUSD can determine and plan for the number of interdistrict transfers being requested. While we recognize the importance of these transfers, please understand that renewals will be considered based on available resources and school capacity, as we work within the constraints of our current budget. 

Please note, as part of the process, you will still need to request a release from your child’s district of residence in the spring. Many districts may not "release a student from their district of residence for an interdistrict transfer until the spring of the current school year. Do not wait to apply or reapply for an MPUSD transfer as our process has changed. Submit your request during our open window.

When you do receive a form releasing you from your district, the approved form should be submitted to MPUSD for review to:

Deisi Teran, Specialist

Student Enrollment & Transfers

[email protected] or 831-392-3983

• Acceptance or denial of the interdistrict permit is determined by the availability of space at the requested school.
• If the interdistrict transfer request is denied, you are expected to enroll the student in his/her school of residence. 
• Interdistrict transfers may be revoked for the following reasons: (1) student is habitually late, tardy or absent (2) student is in an unsupervised situation early in the morning or late in the afternoon on or about a school campus or (3) student leaves the district or drops from requested school. 
• If the interdistrict transfer is approved, your child (unless revoked by the district) is committing to a year at the approved school and will not be able to return to his/her home school until the following year. 
• If your child is on an interdistrict transfer due to your home school being at full capacity, your student has first priority to request to return to his/her home school if space is available the following school year.
• Board Policy Interdistrict Transfer
• Administrative Regulation Interdistrict Transfer

If you live in the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District attendance area (e.g., Marina, Monterey, Seaside, Sand City or Del Rey Oaks) and want to attend a school in another school district:

Parents/guardians may apply for a transfer to a school outside the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. The submission period for applications for the 2026-2027 school year are as follows:

• High School (9-12 Grade): November 10 to December 12, 2025
• Transitional Kindergarten - 8th Grade: January 12 to February 13, 2026