**** Please read below before completing an application. ****

EXCEPTIONS TO ATTENDANCE ZONES

• A parent or guardian may request an exception to attendance for a student to attend another school other than their residence school in their attendance zone.
  

• Exception to Attendance Zone Applications require a valid, documented reason and are reviewed by the Office of District Initiatives, Planning and Accountability, in consultation with School Principals, the Office of the Superintendent, the Office of Teaching and Learning, and/or the Office of Student Support Services, as appropriate.
  

• It is also important to note that exceptions to attendance zones do not apply to District‐Wide schools and programs (Schenectady High School, SCLA, Ready‐to‐Learn, or placement by the CSE, or other placements).
  

• Requests are granted on a case‐by‐case basis and can only be granted for one school year and expire at the end of the school year for which the request is granted.

CONDITIONS FOR AN EXCEPTION TO AN ATTENDANCE ZONE

• An Attendance Zone Exception Request form must provide documented reasons for which a student should attend a school outside of their residence school in their attendance zone .
  

• Exceptions may be limited based on the academic, attendance and behavior welfare of the students, the building capacity, and current class sizes.
  

• The student must maintain acceptable academic, attendance and behavior standards, or the exception may be rescinded, and the student would return to their residence school in their attendance zone.
  

• Transportation is not provided and is the responsibility of the student's family

ACCEPTABLE REASONS FOR AN EXCEPTION

Residential Hardship

• If there is a change in residence during the school year, a student may request to complete the school year at the current school

• A copy of purchase agreement or rental lease must be attached to the form.

Legal Hardship

• If there is a legal matter that may require a student to attend school outside of their attendance zone school, an exception may be granted.

• A copy of the necessary documentation must be attached to the form.

Student Health/Medical Hardship

• If your child has a severe medical issue that can be addressed by a change in school, an exception may be granted.

• A form request for accommodation (creating or modifying a 504) must be made with the district, starting with the nurse at the current school. Health/Medical hardships can only be grand for student medication conditions (not family members).

Childcare Hardship for Elementary and Middle School Students

• If the distance between your child's school and your place of employment or you childcare location creates a hardship, you may request a childcare transfer.

• Supporting documentation from your employer and/or childcare provider verifying the childcare hardship must be provided.

Hardship Due to Extraordinary Circumstance

• Unexpected and unsual circumstances involving documented sudden traumatic family situations.

IF AN EXCEPTION IS GRANTED

If an exception is granted, the student must maintain academic, attendance and behavior standards or the exception may be rescinded and the student would return to their residence school as per the attendance zone.

Transportation is not provided. Getting to and from school is the responsibility of the student's family.

With your application you must certify and agree to the following:

• The information you provided is accurate and complete.

• You will notify the district if you move or your contact information changes.

• You understand and agree to the information, notices, and terms listed on the application.

• You understand that you are making a request and it is not a guarantee that your child will bee enrolled in the school indicated.