HB251 School Transfer Option Based on Space Availability

The 2009 Georgia General Assembly approved House Bill 251 (HB251), giving parents/guardians the option to request that their children attend any school within the school district based on space availability.  School districts determine available classroom space after all assigned students have been enrolled.

In accordance with the law, the Houston County School District created a process for parents to exercise this school transfer option and a process to determine space availability. 

Information for the 2026-2027 School Year

  1. Parents of Houston County School District students will be notified of HB251 by June 1 of each year and provided with a preliminary list of schools based on existing data.              
  2. Applications for transfer are being accepted June 1, 2026 until June 30, 2026 for grades K-12. After the June 30, 2026 deadline, no applications will be accepted for the remainder of the 2026-2027 school year. 
  3. Capacity will be determined by a school's enrollment and teacher allotments.
  4. In the event the number of transfer requests exceeds the available capacity in the particular school, requests will be approved based on the time and date of submission.
  5. Parents will be notified of acceptance by phone and denial by mail no later than July 24, 2026.
  6. All students who receive a HB251 transfer must start at the approved school on August 4, 2026. If the student does not report to the approved school by August 17, 2026, he/she will forfeit his/her spot and will be required to attend their zoned school. No changes will be made to school choice after August 17, 2026.
  7. Once a request is approved, the parent assumes all costs and responsibilities related to transportation of their child to and from the school so long as the child remains at the assigned school.
  8. All 2026-2027 school transfers are final after August 17, 2026. You may request to return to your zoned school for the 2027-2028 school year by contacting School Operations at 478-988-6395.
  9. If a student transfers at the high school level, he/she must meet Georgia High School Association requirements to participate in competitive interscholastic activities.
  10. Once approved for a school choice transfer, the student may attend for the rest of the grade band (K-5, 6-8, and 9-12).

 

Below is a preliminary list of availability by schools and grades.


Primary and Elementary Schools:

  • Kindergarten: Hilltop, Kings Chapel, Matt Arthur Primary, Miller, Quail Run
  • 1st Grade: Bonaire, Centerville, David Perdue , Eagle Springs, Hilltop, Matt Arthur Primary, Miller, Northside, Parkwood, Quail Run, Russell, Shirley Hills
  • 2nd Grade: Bonaire, Centerville, Lake Joy, Langston Road, Matt Arthur, Miller, Northside, Parkwood Primary, Russell, Tucker
  • 3rd Grade: Bonaire, Centerville, David Perdue, Hilltop, Kings Chapel, Lake Joy, Morningside, Northside, Quail Run, Russell, Shirley Hills, Westside
  • 4th Grade: Bonaire, Centerville, David Perdue, Eagles Springs, Hilltop, Lake Joy, Morningside, Northside, Pearl Stephens, Quail Run, Westside
  • 5th Grade: Bonaire, David Perdue, Eagle Springs, Hilltop, Kings Chapel, Lake Joy, Langston Road, Matt Arthur, Morningside, Northside, Pearl Stephens, Quail Run, Russell, Shirley Hills, Tucker, Westside


Middle Schools:

  • 6th Grade: Bonaire , Feagin Mill, Mossy Creek, Northside, Perry, Warner Robins
  • 7th Grade: Feagin Mill, Huntington, Northside, Perry, Warner Robins
  • 8th Grade: Feagin Mill, Huntington, Mossy Creek, Northside, Perry, Warner Robins


High Schools:

  • All schools and all grades

 

To view the list in a table or print format, click here.

The link to the application will be available June 1.

For more information, contact School Operations at 478-988-6395.