Muscogee County School District Announces Open Seat and Hardship Transfer Application Window for 2025-2026 School Year

Staff Report

The Muscogee County School District's application window for Open Seat and Hardship Transfers for the 2025-2026 school year will open May 12.

Parents and legal guardians may submit applications online beginning at 8 a.m. on May 12. The deadline for Open Seat Transfer submissions is 11:59 p.m. on May 23. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered, except for new students enrolling in the district. Approval or denial notifications will be sent via email by June 30.

Students must first complete an online registration for the 2025-2026 school year to be eligible for Open Seat or Hardship Transfer requests.

Under Georgia House Bill 251, Open Seat Transfers allow parents to request enrollment for their child at another school within the district if classroom space is available after all assigned students have enrolled. Parents are responsible for transportation costs. Additionally, students receiving special education services may only transfer to schools that can meet their Individualized Education Plan requirements.

Priority for available seats will be given to students eligible under the unsafe school choice option. If transfer requests exceed available space, students will be selected through a lottery system. No appeals process will be available.

Parents must confirm enrollment within 14 days of approval. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the transfer.

Transfers could affect a student’s eligibility to participate in Georgia High School Association-sanctioned varsity sports for one calendar year. There will be no sibling priority unless students are from simultaneous multiple births, such as twins or triplets.

The following schools are excluded from Open Seat Transfers due to lack of available seats:

Britt David Elementary

Columbus High School

Rainey-McCullers Magnet

Downtown Elementary

Northside High School

Clubview Elementary

Eagle Ridge Elementary

Mathews Elementary

North Columbus Elementary

Veterans Memorial Middle School

Richards Middle School

Hardship Transfers are available year-round for students who experience extenuating circumstances, such as medical needs, childcare arrangements or if a parent is a district employee.

As with Open Seat Transfers, hardship applications require completion of the online registration process and submission of supporting documentation. Approvals are contingent on seat availability and must be confirmed within 14 days. No appeals process is available.

Parents interested in applying for an Open Seat or Hardship Transfer may visit https://apps.muscogee.k12.ga.us/transfers for more information.

MCSD maintains attendance zones for school assignments. Parents are encouraged to register students based on their legal residence. Questions regarding transfer requests should be directed to the zoned school of assignment or Central Registration at centralregistration@muscogee.k12.ga.us.