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Incoming, Transitioning, and Exiting Students

Chicago Public Schools welcomes families transferring into and within the District. Whether your student is moving from another CPS school, another Illinois district, or from out of state or country, clear procedures help ensure a smooth transition.

Transferring Between CPS Neighborhood Schools

  • Complete the transfer form at the new school

  • Bring transfer paperwork and proof of address to the new school

  • May need the GoCPS application if outside the neighborhood boundary

Transferring From Another District or State

Families new to CPS will need to transfer to their new school. Students who were previously enrolled in a private school (including home school), foreign school, Charter School, or other school district who seek enrollment in the Chicago Public Schools are subject to transcript evaluation to determine proper grade placement, and also may be evaluated to verify appropriate grade placement.

Required Documents

Students coming from outside CPS must complete full registration, including:

  • Proof of identity and age
  • Proof of current address
  • Health records (including physical exam and immunization record)
  • Previous school transcripts, report cards, or withdrawal paperwork

Please refer to the  CPS Enrollment Checklist for the full list of required documents. 

Note: If your child is transferring from another public or private school in the U.S., please bring any available educational records.

Transferring of EL Students

If a student transfers to a school that does not offer a bilingual education program aligned with the child’s English language proficiency, the student must be given the option to transfer to the nearest school offering an appropriate program. Pending identification and transfer to an appropriate school, or if the child opts to remain in the current school, the student must be provided the most appropriate bilingual education services possible, consistent with the student’s bilingual instructional needs.

Completing Your Transfer

  • Provide a completed Student Transfer Form
  • Show enrollment documentation from the new school

Exiting Students

Once a student is part of Chicago Public Schools, they have the right to remain at their current school unless documentation is provided to the school verifying a transfer. We understand that families move or make changes for many reasons, and we are here to support a smooth transition for your student. If your student will be withdrawing to attend a non-CPS school, either outside the district or outside the state, please follow the required steps to ensure a seamless process.

Steps for Withdrawing Your Child From School

  • Inform the School: Contact the office or school to notify of your plans, and provide the child's last expected date,

  • New School Details: Provide the name, city, and state if known.

  • Return Material: Chrome books, library books, school-issued supplies.

  • Update Contact Info: Current or new address, phone number, email.

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Student Enrollment Booklet
Download our guide to enrolling in CPS
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