2026-27 In-District Transfer and Non-Resident Waiver Application Period

The Puyallup School District (PSD) is in the process of projecting enrollments and assigning staff for the 2026-2027 school year for junior high and high school students only.

Starting Wednesday, December 10, families can submit an In-District Transfer Request or Out-of-District Waiver for junior high and high school students for the 2026-27 school year. 

Applications for elementary students will open on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

In-District Transfers

Students who live in the PSD Boundaries and wish to attend a school other than their resident school for the 2026-27 school year must complete the appropriate in-district transfer request.

Due to overcrowding and high enrollment, not every school in the Puyallup School District may be open for in-district transfers. Applications for enrollment in a closed school will automatically be denied unless you are a PSD employee requesting a transfer for your student to attend the school where you are assigned to work. 

In-District Transfer Approval Criteria

In-district transfer requests are considered on a first-come, first-served basis and are based on the following criteria:

• There is adequate capacity in the school (acceptance should not cause a hardship on resident students). The student demonstrates regular attendance, academic effort, and conformance with school disciplinary standards.
   
• The parent is willing and able to provide timely transportation. (In-district students will not be able to use the Puyallup School District transportation).
   
• The school offers a program suitable to meet the educational and other needs of the student.
   
• The request does not cause a financial burden to the Puyallup School District (waiver requests only).
   
• 2026-27 In-District Transfer Application
  • Opens Wednesday, December 10, 2025, for junior high and high school students
  • Opens Saturday, February 14, 2026, for elementary students.

Out-of-District Waivers and Choice Transfer Request

The Puyallup School District allows students living outside the district boundaries to request a waiver to attend a school in this district.

• New out-of-district applicants must submit a Non-Resident Application and complete an online Choice Transfer Request, which must be completed annually.
   
• Existing out-of-district families will only need to submit a Choice Transfer Request.

Criteria for Non-Resident Applicants

• Whether acceptance of a nonresident student would result in the district experiencing significant financial hardship (“financial hardship” does not include routine programmatic costs associated with serving additional disabled or non-disabled students);
   
• Whether adequate classroom space, facilities, and staff are available in the grade level or classes at the building in which the student desires to be enrolled;
   
• Whether appropriate educational programs or services are available to improve the student’s condition as stated in requesting release from his/her district of residence;
   
• Whether the student’s disciplinary records or other documentation indicate a history of convictions for offenses or crimes, violent or disruptive behavior, or gang membership; provided that for purposes of this section a “gang” is defined as a group that consists of three or more persons, has identifiable leadership, and on an on-going basis, regularly conspires and acts in concert mainly for criminal purposes as set forth in RCW 28A.225.225(2)(a) and (4)(b); and
   
• Whether the student has been expelled or suspended from a public school for more than ten consecutive days provided that the district’s regulations allow for readmission and re-engagement of expelled or suspended students will apply uniformly to both resident and nonresident applicants.
   
• 2026-27 Non-Resident Application
  • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Opens Wednesday, December 10, 2025, for junior high and high school students
  • Opens Saturday, February 14, 2026, for elementary students.

When Will The Applications Be Reviewed?

Elementary (K-5)

• Applications submitted by February 28 will be reviewed by April 15.
• Applications submitted March 1-June 14 will be reviewed on or after May 1.
• Applications submitted June 15 or later will be reviewed on or after the fourth day of school.

Secondary (Grades 7-12)

• Applications received by January 9 will be reviewed on or after February 28.
• Applications submitted January 10–May 31 will be reviewed on or after April 10.
• Applications submitted June 1 or later will be reviewed on or after the fourth day of school.

Any Additional Questions?

 Questions regarding the application process may be directed to waivers@puyallupsd.org.