Residential School Assignment (K-8)

No, students enrolled in Malden Public Schools before May 15, 2025 will be allowed to remain in their presently assigned schools.

In advance of the 2025-2026 school year, any student currently enrolled in a different school than the one they would attend according to the attendance areas is welcome to apply for a transfer after May 15, 2025 using the Voluntary Transfer Form. Priority for transfers will be given to students transferring into the school in the attendance area in which they reside.

Yes, parents/guardians may request that their child be placed on a voluntary transfer list for a school outside of their attendance area by completing the Voluntary Transfer Form. NOTE: this form is only for students currently enrolled in the Malden Public Schools. All new students will have to wait for their school assignment before requesting a transfer.

Transfer requests are processed on a first-come, first served basis in accordance with the below hardship provisions and policies for being placed away from the school their residency’s attendance area:

• If the legal residence of a child within Malden changes from one attendance area to another during the school year and the parents/caregivers wish the child to remain in his/her former school, permission will be granted but not extend beyond the current school year. Assignment to that school the following year will be subject to the availability of space in the school.
• If the change appears to be in the interests of the child, of the schools, or for safety and/or administrative reasons.
• Other requests for hardships assignments will be considered on their merits and may be approved subject to the availability of space in the school.

All transfer requests are subject to the availability of space. A school will be deemed to have space available if the total enrollment of the school is at or below its design capacity and the classroom to which the student is assigned will not exceed 20 students in Kindergarten and 25 students in grades 1-8.

The Superintendent or their designee is authorized to grant or deny requests for individuals to attend a school outside the designated attendance areas.

Yes, if a sibling is assigned to a districtwide program at a different school, caregivers may request that siblings attend that same school and the request will be honored subject to the availability of space.

In all cases in which a placement outside of the attendance area of residence is granted, parents/caregivers will assume the responsibility for transportation to and from school regardless of the distance.