In special situations, Arlington Public Schools may admit a student or place a student in an alternate school or program. Placements are based on aligning student needs with Arlington Public School’s services. The following special circumstances are considered for Administrative Placements:
Requests of Local Courts
The Superintendent or designee may, upon written request from a judge of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court of Arlington County, permit a student to transfer to an Arlington school other than the one serving his/her attendance area. Such a request shall be related to the student’s appearance before that judge or before a judge of a similar court in another jurisdiction and shall be based on the student’s court involvement.
Program Continuity
The Superintendent or their designee may place a student at a school to bridge short-term (typically one or two quarter) gaps in their instructional program.
Result of Disciplinary Actions
The Superintendent or their designee may place a student at a school as a result of a disciplinary incident.
Inability to Access Education
The Superintendent or their designee may place a student at a school if the student is unable to access the education at their assigned school due to repeated bullying or other similar documented situations.
Medical or Psychological Needs
The Superintendent or their designee may place a student at a school as a result of medical or psychological needs as certified by a medical professional.
Additional documentation is required for a medical or psychological administrative placement request. Please read about the requirements below*.
Hardship
The Superintendent or their designee may place a student at a school as a result of hardships which make it difficult for the student or family to access APS services at their home school. The following are considered hardships:
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- Death in the family
- Medical illness of the parent/legal guardian
- Financial difficulties
Requesting an Administrative Placement
If a student meets the aforementioned criteria, a family is able to request an administrative placement for a student(s) to be placed at a school other than their neighborhood school. Administrative placements are approved on a case-by-case basis and are based on the particular circumstances of a student’s situation pursuant to School Board Policy J-5.3.32 Administrative Placement. All administrative placement requests must be submitted for review by using the link to the Administrative Placement Request Form below.
You will have the opportunity to include details regarding the reason for your request and upload supporting documents. The Administrative Placement committee only reviews supporting documentation submitted with the form to determine if the request meets criteria. Please note the following:
- All requests require a written document explaining the reason for request.
- Additional documentation is required for medical or psychological requests.
- Additional documentation for all other requests is suggested.
2024-25 School Year Administrative Placement Request Form: English | Spanish | Монгол | አማርኛ | العربية
- This form is ONLY for the 2024-25 School Year
For additional information or questions about administrative placements, please contact the Welcome Center at 703-228-8000 (option 1) or email adminplacements@apsva.us.
*Requirements for Medical or Psychological Cases:
Medical
In cases where medical reasons are involved, the following shall be submitted as an application:
(1) The parent or guardian must submit, in writing, the reason for the request. This is fulfilled by completing the request form and providing a narrative in the “additional information” section that details your reasons for a medical request.
(2) The parent shall submit permission for the Superintendent or designee to consult with the health care professional(s) that is treating the student by completing a Release of Information Form.
(3) A written recommendation for such transfer from a healthcare professional(s) (i.e., physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant), who is treating the student, including the reasons for the request and the probable length of such assignment.
(4) For students in grades 5 or above, a student narrative shall be included, unless circumstances are identified that justify omitting such a narrative.
When an application is complete (items 1-4 above), the Superintendent or designee, may consult with the principal, or their designee, of the sending and receiving schools, student services staff, a school health physician or nurse, a school psychologist, and additional APS staff may be consulted as needed to review the request and provide a response to the request within 60 school days.
Psychological
In cases where psychological reasons are involved, the following shall be submitted as an application:
(1) The parent or guardian must submit, in writing, the reason for the request. This is fulfilled by completing the request form and providing a narrative that details your reasons for a psychological request.
2) The parent shall submit permission for the Superintendent or designee to consult with any private mental health professional(s) that is working with the student by completing a Release of Information Form.
(3) A written recommendation for the transfer, from at least one mental health professional(s) (i.e. licensed clinical counselor, licensed clinical social worker, psychologist, or psychiatrist), who is working with the student, stating the reasons for the request and the probable length of such assignment.
(4) For students in grades 5 or above, a student narrative shall be included, unless circumstances are identified that justify omitting such a narrative.
When an application is complete (items 1-4 above), the Superintendent or designee, may consult with the principals, or their designees, of the sending and receiving schools, student services staff, and a school psychologist, will review the request and provide a response. Additional APS staff may be consulted as needed.
APS will endeavor to process the completed request as soon as possible and within 60 school days. In the event the need for the transfer is urgent, APS will endeavor to provide a response more quickly.
When the packet is complete, send all documents to: adminplacements@apsva.us