Applying for a District Transfer
A district transfer policy permits patrons a choice of selecting an attendance center outside of their designated area, if that attendance center is open to enrollment.
Student Services operates under the expectation that students will remain at their approved school of enrollment for the duration of the full academic year. While we understand that unique situations arise, Student Services does not recommend transferring students between schools once a semester is underway. Requests for immediate or quarter transfers once a semester is in session will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are approved only in extenuating circumstances.
Step 1: Application
To avoid delays in processing your transfer request or receiving email notifications, your parent/guardian information, address and email must be current in our system.
Please contact your current school registrar to update any changes PRIOR to submitting your request. For questions about transfers or appeals, call Student Services at 402-436-1684.
Answers to Frequent Questions
Students K-8 wishing to transfer to an elementary/middle school outside of their attendance area must complete an Application for Special Attendance Permit. If an incoming student has a sibling currently enrolled in a KG–8th grade school located outside of their designated attendance area, the incoming student is not automatically enrolled in that school. To request that a student attend the same out-of-area school as their sibling, parents/guardians must submit a Special Attendance Permit.
All current LPS 8th graders must submit a High School Choice Form to be considered for any high school that the Board of Education has declared open to transfers. Students who do not submit a choice form by the deadline will be automatically enrolled in their designated attendance area high school. If a family moves to a different attendance area after the October rollover but before the start of the 9th-grade year, and they want to change high schools, they must submit a High School Choice Form for the school they want to attend. The system will not automatically update for the new address.
If an incoming high school student wishes to attend a school outside of their designated attendance area to join a sibling already enrolled there, enrollment is not automatic. To request that an incoming student attend the same out-of-area school as their sibling, parents or guardians must submit a High School Choice Form by the deadline.
Any current high school student wishing to change schools for next school year FOR ANY REASON must request a transfer by submitting a High School Choice Form by the deadline. If a family moves to a different attendance area, they must submit a High School Choice Form if they want to transfer schools. The system will not automatically update for the new address. Requests for immediate or quarter transfers once a semester is underway will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are approved only in extenuating circumstances.
Kindergarten through 8th grade
Application due January 5th, 2026
Prefer to use a paper form?
You can pick up a physical copy of the transfer or appeal request at any school office or at Student Services. Once completed, please return your form to:
- permits@lps.org
- Fax: (402) 436-1686
- Department of Student Services, Lincoln Public Schools, 5905 O Street, Lincoln, NE 68510
- School Registrar
Step 2: Notification
Transfer notifications are sent by email starting in January (for on-time requests) or mid-February (for late requests). Because these emails often filter to spam, please check your folders regularly.
Step 3: Transfer Appeal
This form is strictly for appealing a denied Special Attendance Permit or High School Choice request. It cannot be used to initiate a new transfer. To be eligible for review, you must have a denied application already on file with Student Services.
Contact Student Services at 402-436-1684 for any transfer or appeal questions.
