Semitropic Enrollment Information
Please CLICK HERE to print the Semitropic Elementary School District enrollment packet. Please return the completed packet to the office during normal office hours.
2024-2025 Transfer Information for Parents
DISTRICT OF CHOICE TRANSFERS for TK-8th grade students who live outside the Semitropic Elementary School District boundary and wish to attend SESD. (District Boundary Map - Click Here)
Applications for District of Choice transfers are available here or at the Semitropic School Office. Duplicate or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Students do not need to be released from their district of residence to apply and be accepted. Only a very limited number of new transfers are accepted by SESD each year.
Due to the volume of requests Semitropic receives each year, during open session at Semitropic’s Regular Board Meetings, application names will be drawn on a random basis and added to an official waiting list.
Semitropic transfer policies are in line with board adopted BP5117 and AR5117.
District of Choice students that are accepted will be notified by phone call prior to May 1st, 2025. Students not accepted will be notified by mailed letter after the acceptance list is complete.
Interdistrict Attendance Permit Information
Pursuant to Education Code section 46600, a student who is not a resident of the Semitropic School District (district of desired enrollment) (“District”) may apply for an interdistrict attendance permit and, if granted by the district of residence as well as District, such student may enroll subject to revocation criteria set out below. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall grant, deny or revoke all interdistrict attendance requests on a case-by-case basis.
The District will select students through an unbiased process that prohibits an inquiry into or evaluation or consideration of whether or not a pupil should be enrolled based on academic or athletic performance, physical condition, proficiency in English, or family income. Furthermore, the District will not unlawfully discriminate against students on the basis of disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic that is contained in the definition of hate crimes set forth in Section 422.55 of the Penal Code, including immigration status in the administration, processing, and determination of an interdistrict attendance request.
You must submit your Interdistrict Attendance Request form to both your district of residence and the District.
Interdistrict attendance requests for the current school year can be submitted any time based on available space. Priority deadline for the next school year is January 31 at 11:59 PM.
Parent’s failure to meet any timelines established by the school district shall be deemed an abandonment of the request.
The District’s final decision, for current year requests, will be made within 30 calendar days from the date the request was received.
Parents submitting a future year request will be notified of the District’s final decision as soon as possible, but no later than 14 calendar days after the commencement of instruction in the school year for which interdistrict attendance permit is sought.
Semitropic School District is a District of Choice. Interdistrict Transfer Requests will not be accepted
if there is a waiting list for the District of Choice program. When there is not a waiting list, Interdistrict
transfer request will be accepted after February 15 for the current school year only.
The District shall notify a parent submitting a current year request, as defined in Section 46600.1, of its final decision within 30 calendar days from the date the request was received.
If you have questions, please contact 661-758-6412 or Wildcats@semitropicschool.org.
LINKS TO IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Request for an Interdistrict Attendance Permit Form (English/Spanish)
Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 5117
Inter District Attendance Contract (English/Spanish)
Request for an Interdistrict Attendance Appeal to the Semitropic School Board of Trustees Form (English/Spanish)
REASONS AN INTERDISTRICT REQUEST MAY BE APPROVED AND THE DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED:
Every application must include: (1) a copy of the most current transcript, attendance record and disciplinary record of the student, (2) the documentation requested to support each reason provided, and (3) as applicable, a copy of the student's current (SST) documentation, (IEP) and/or Section 504 Plan. Additional documentation may be required. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
A Student who has been determined by personnel of either the school district of residence or the District to have been the victim of an act of bullying. Required documentation under this criterion would include:
A copy of the investigation report, final outcome of the investigation and/or a letter from the Superintendent from the sending district verifying that a determination has been made that the applicant was a victim of an act of bullying.
A student whose parent has full-time military duty status in the active uniformed service of the United States. Required documentation under this criterion would include:
Proof of military status.
A student who has been previously enrolled in this District pursuant to an interdistrict attendance permit unless an earlier interdistrict attendance permit was revoked. Required documentation under this criterion would include:
Proof of prior interdistrict attendance permit.
When the student has sibling(s) attending school in the District to avoid splitting the family's attendance unless the earlier interdistrict attendance was revoked. Required documentation under this criterion would include:
Name, grade and school where the sibling attends (sibling must already attend the District). Copy of the sibling’s last report card, attendance record and disciplinary record. Copy of the sibling’s release permit from the district of residence.
To meet the childcare needs of the student due to the parent's employment schedule but only if the student's child care provider is located within District boundaries. An interdistrict attendance based on these criteria automatically terminates upon the discontinued use of a childcare provider located within District boundaries. (Letter from childcare provider with address and proof of residence.) Required documentation under this criterion would include:
Proof of employment of all parents/guardians who are involved in the student’s life on a day‐to‐day basis. Copy of a recent pay stub; and letter on the employer’s stationery verifying schedule (hours and days) and location of employment; or if self‐employed, letter stating schedule (hours and days) and location of employment; and
Letter from the adult, center or organization providing childcare. Name, address and contact information of the adult, center or organization. Child care license number and fees, if applicable. Hours of operation for the center or organization, or hours that the student is under care. Length of time student has been under care by the adult, center or organization; and
Letter from parent/guardian explaining the circumstances that an interdistrict permit is necessary under childcare reasons.
When a parent or guardian is employed by the District or within District boundaries. These criteria may not be construed as a grant of residency as discussed in Education Code section 48204(b). (Current pay stubs and letter from employer on letterhead indicating the hours and days parent/guardian works). Required documentation under this criterion would include:
Proof of employment of all parents/guardians working within the District boundaries who are involved in the student’s life on a day‐to‐day basis. Copy of a recent pay stub; and letter on the employer’s stationery verifying schedule (hours and days) and location of employment; or if self‐employed, letter stating schedule (hours and days) and location of employment; and
Letter from parent/guardian explaining the circumstances that an interdistrict permit is necessary under parent employment reasons.
When the student and his/her family are moving into the District during the school year. Required documentation under this criterion would include:
Escrow paperwork or rental agreement.
To allow a student to complete a school year when his/her parents/guardians have moved out of the District during that year. Required documentation under this criterion would include:
Letter from parent/guardian explaining the circumstances that an interdistrict permit is necessary under parent employment reasons.
To allow students to remain with a class graduating that year from an elementary or junior high school. Required documentation under this criterion would include:
Letter from parent/guardian explaining the circumstances that an interdistrict permit is necessary under parent employment reasons.
To provide a change in school environment necessary to address a need for personal or social adjustment or physical and mental health needs, which are adequately documented and in the judgment of the Superintendent require the attendance. Required documentation under this criterion would include:
Letter or report from a doctor, psychologist, or other appropriate person verifying health‐related issues (if applicable); or
Police or school report supporting safety‐related issues (if applicable); and
Letter from parent/guardian explaining the circumstance that an interdistrict permit is necessary under health and safety reasons.
When recommended by the School Attendance Review Board or by county child welfare, probation or social service agency staff in documented cases of serious home or community problems which make it inadvisable for the student to attend the school of residence. Required documentation under this criterion would include:
A letter from an appropriate professional verifying health‐related issues (if applicable); and
Letter from parent/guardian explaining the circumstance that an interdistrict permit is necessary.
REASONS FOR INTERDISTRICT REQUEST DENIAL:
The school facilities or programs are overcrowded at the relevant grade level.
The student has been expelled from the district of residence or is being processed for expulsion.
An earlier interdistrict attendance was revoked.
a. If during a prior school year, grounds for revoking the interdistrict attendance agreement/ permit arose, even though the pupil's agreement/permit was not actually revoked or processed for revocation.
Enrollment of the student would adversely affect the district's court-ordered or voluntary desegregation plan, if any (Education Code section 48204(b)(3)).
Parent/guardian has no apparent means of arranging for or providing for transportation to and from school and the school is not required by law to provide transportation.
The individual student needs a particular program in order to receive an appropriate public education and the District does not offer that necessary program.
A program necessary for the student to receive an appropriate public education is full.
Enrolling the student would require the District to create a new program and/or hire additional staff.
The student's parent or guardian is a "registered sex offender" as defined by Penal Code section 290 or a “specified drug offender" as defined by Penal Code section 626.85.
Misleading or incorrect information is knowingly submitted to the District in support of an interdistrict attendance request.
Misleading or altered documentation is knowingly submitted to the District in support of an interdistrict attendance request.
Following a review of the requesting student’s attendance, grades, and discipline for the prior year while enrolled in his/her district of residence, it appears that the student’s interdistrict attendance agreement would have been revoked had he/she attended in the District.
REASONS FOR INTERDISTRICT PERMIT REVOCATION:
Student is absent from school without a valid excuse three full days in one school year or tardy or absent for more than a 30-minute period during the school day without a valid excuse on three occasions in one school year, or any combination thereof.
Student fails to maintain a 2.0 or “C” grade point average in all subjects/classes each semester.
Student fails to follow all School/District policies and rules while on school grounds, going to or coming from school, at school activities, or using district transportation.
Student fails to exhibit appropriate and respectful conduct towards staff. Refrain from Prohibited Student Conduct while on school grounds, going to or coming from school, at school activities, or using district transportation.
Prohibited Student Conduct includes, but is not limited to:
Conduct that endangers students, staff, or others, including, but not limited to, physical violence, possession of a firearm or other weapon, and terrorist threats;
Discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying of students or staff, including sexual harassment, hate motivated behavior, cyberbullying, hazing or initiation activity, extortion, or any other verbal, written, or physical conduct that causes or threatens to cause violence, bodily harm, or substantial disruption to the school program;
Fighting or provoking a fight;
Conduct that disrupts the orderly classroom or school environment;
Willful defiance of staff's authority;
Damage to or theft of property belonging to students, staff, or the district;
Obscene acts or use of profane, vulgar, or abusive language;
Possession, use, or being under the influence of tobacco, alcohol, or other prohibited substances;
Possession or use of a laser pointer, unless for a valid instructional or other school-related purpose with prior permission of the principal or designee (Penal Code section 417.27);
Use of a cell phone, smart watch, pager, or other mobile communication device during instructional time or in an unauthorized manner in violation of district policy;
Plagiarism or dishonesty on school work or tests;
Wearing of any attire that violates district or school dress codes, including gang-related apparel; or
Failure to remain on school premises in accordance with school rules.
Student fails to refrain from any conduct that could result in suspension or expulsion as described in Education Code section 48900
Student fails to refrain from off-campus conduct during nonschool hours which poses a threat or danger to the safety of students, staff, or district property, or substantially disrupts school activities.
The commission of a violation of the Penal and/or Vehicle Code on or within 1000 feet of school grounds by a student's parent or guardian.
Parent/guardian makes a threat to inflict physical harm directed at a student or staff at any time or anywhere.
Parental/guardian use of offensive words or engaging in a course of conduct directed at students or staff which are likely to cause substantial emotional distress or provoke a violent response.
If a parent or guardian has at any time been directed to leave school grounds or other District property pursuant to either Penal Code sections 626.4, 626.6, 626.7, 626.8 or 626.85.
The commission of conduct tantamount to that described in Penal Code section 415 (disturbing the peace) by a parent or legal guardian against another adult including, but not limited to, another parent or legal guardian with a child enrolled in the District, and that conduct is perpetrated on or within 1000 feet of school grounds. Such conduct includes: fighting or challenging another to a fight; maliciously and willfully disturbing another by loud and unreasonable noise; and the use of offensive words which are inherently likely to provoke an immediate violent reaction.
Knowingly providing misleading, altered or incorrect information/documentation to the District in support of an interdistrict attendance request.
APPEAL OF THE DECISION TO DENY AN INTERDISTRICT ATTENDANCE REQUEST
An appeal of the District’s decision may be submitted to the County Board of Education within 30 calendar days of the District’s final decision to deny the request for an interdistrict attendance permit. The District shall provide such parents and guardians with written notice of their appeal rights. The written notice shall conform to the requirements of Education Code section 46601.
Students who are under consideration for expulsion or who have been expelled may not appeal interdistrict attendance denials or decisions while expulsion proceedings are pending, or during the term of the expulsion (Education Code section 46601).
APPEAL OF REVOCATION DECISION
If an Interdistrict Attendance Permit is revoked, the parents or guardian will be given the opportunity to meet with the Superintendent or designee to discuss the reasons for the revocation and request reconsideration. Such a meeting must be requested within three (3) school days of the revocation decision.
If a parent or guardian remains unsatisfied with the decision they may appeal to the District Board of Trustees by submitting a written request for reconsideration to the Board of Trustees which explains the basis for the request. The appeal request must be received by the Superintendent or designee within five (5) school days of the decision to deny reconsideration of the revocation. The Superintendent shall place the appeal on the agenda for the next regularly scheduled Board meeting. A parent or guardian may appeal the district board’s decision to KCSOS within 30 days.
Registration Check List
Enrollment Form
Student Attendance & Behavioral Agreement
Physical Exam
Oral Health Assessment
Immunization Records
Birth Certificate
Social Security Card
Proof of Residency (PG&E Bill or Water Bill)
