Transition Planning FAQ
General Transition Information
- I’ve been reassigned to a new boundary school but would like for my child to attend somewhere else in the district. How can I do that?
- Can I apply for more than one school during the open enrollment period?
- My child will be attending a new school next year. How many students will be in my child's class/grade level/school?
- My school was voted for closure. What’s going to happen to the building and property?
- My student currently receives Resource or Speech services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Will those services change at their new school?
- I’m interested in having my child participate in a Dual Language Immersion/Magnet Gifted and Talented program. How can I get them enrolled?
- My child is in the Dual Language Immersion program at their current school. Where will my child attend next year, and how will they get there?
- Which special program students will qualify for district bus transportation next year?
- What type of afterschool options are available for my child at their new school?
- Will my child qualify for bus transportation next year?
I’ve been reassigned to a new boundary school but would like for my child to attend somewhere else in the district. How can I do that?
In Utah, families can choose where their students attend school, even if it is not their boundary school. The Early Open Enrollment period has ended, but the district is providing a Special Open Enrollment period between February 5 - 19, 2024 ONLY for families and students impacted by elementary school closures and boundary changes. Here is the link to the open enrollment application.
Can I apply for more than one school during the open enrollment period?
My child will be attending a new school next year. How many students will be in my child's class/grade level/school?
Every year, schools work to make sure there are enough students in each grade and enough teachers to keep classroom sizes reasonable. Our district has among the lowest class sizes across school districts in the Salt Lake valley.
Even after the Board’s vote to close four elementary schools and to adjust some school boundaries, the way we balance class sizes stays the same. Every year, principals work with district leaders and a group called the School Improvement Council, which includes teachers, staff, and school leaders). They figure out how many teachers each school needs and sometimes add more, if necessary. Because the number of students in each grade changes every year, it's hard to keep class sizes the same every year.
That means schools have to revise and adjust every year. In the first half of February, the district shared with principals what we expect for next year, in terms of students in each grade and how many teachers will be assigned to each school. However, those numbers are not final and may change due to closing four elementary schools and changing school boundaries for 14 other elementary schools starting next school year, and due to the open enrollment opportunities available for district families. We will have a better idea of this after the special open enrollment period ends and families are notified of application status by March 15.
The coming school year will also be different, because we will likely have additional teacher positions to support our elementary schools during the transition period. The process of allocating teachers to each school will continue over the next few months, as is the standard practice with all schools every year.
My school was voted for closure. What’s going to happen to the building and property?
In the next few months, the Board of Education will look at different ways to make sure the school's land and building stay valuable to the community and don't become a problem or danger. Following state and federal law, the Board will consider its options, which could include finding a new use for a building or property, renting the building or land, tearing down a building, etc. Typically, the Board prefers an option that still supports student needs and/or district needs in some way. (For example, the former Rosslyn Heights Elementary property – Rosslyn Heights Elementary was voted for closure more than 20 years ago – is currently in the process of being transformed into student athletic fields (tennis and lacrosse) to help meet a district need. If you want to know more, you can find more details in the administrative procedures for Board Policy G-5 here.
My student currently receives Resource or Speech services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Will those services change at their new school?
Absolutely not. Every elementary school has a Resource teacher and an assigned Speech-Language Pathologist. Your student’s IEP will be transferred to their new school and will be fully implemented there without you having to do anything. Of course, you have the right to request an IEP meeting at any time if you have questions or concerns that you would like to discuss with the IEP team. Over the summer, expect a letter from your child’s new Resource teacher or SLP not only introducing themselves, but welcoming your child to their caseload. If you have questions about this process, please reach out to your child’s current Resource teacher or SLP, or the principal of your new school.
I’m interested in having my child participate in a Dual Language Immersion/Magnet Gifted and Talented program. How can I get them enrolled?
Learn more about Dual Language Immersion located at Mountain View Elementary and Newman Elementary (2024-25 school year) using the following link: Dual Immersion - Salt Lake City School District (slcschools.org)
Learn more about Extended Learning Program (Gifted and Talented) here: Extended Learning Program (ELP) - Salt Lake City School District (slcschools.org)
My child is in the Dual Language Immersion program at their current school. Where will my child attend next year, and how will they get there?
Some district programs will be moved to new locations next year, and students who join a special district program starting next year will be assigned to program locations based on where they live (area model). If your student is already part of a special district program, your child can stay in that program, even if the new location is not your new assigned area school. If your currently enrolled student’s program location for next year is more than 1.5 miles away from your home, the district will provide bus transportation for your child next year.
Which special program students will qualify for district bus transportation next year?
Students enrolled in a Magnet Gifted/Talented or Dual Language Immersion program will attend a program location determined based on where they live. Among the goals of moving to a model where students are assigned based on areas in our city is to reduce student travel time on a bus and to expand access to special district programs by supporting students with transportation if they live too far from their assigned school. If a student lives more than 1.5 miles from their assigned program location, bus transportation will be provided.
Students who would like to attend a program that is not in their area may do so through the traditional open enrollment process; however, busing would not be provided to a school outside of the student’s assigned area.
What type of afterschool options are available for my child at their new school?
All district afterschool services are FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. District leadership is working to ensure registration for district afterschool services occurs earlier than in years past; please keep watching our district website so you can register for 2024-25 when it does open later this school year.
Will my child qualify for bus transportation next year?
Magnet Gifted and Talented FAQ
- At which school will my student’s Magnet G&T be located?
- What is the area model, and when will it go into effect?
- What transportation services are available?
- Will special testing sessions for Magnet eligibility be created as part of the transition plan?
- Which Magnet location is best?
- What school-based services are available to Magnet students?
- Is Magnet required for the IB program or AP classes in high school, or for access to better universities?
- I want the best for my student. Is that Magnet?
- Information about Indian Hills Elementary
- Information about Whittier Elementary
- Information about Edison Elementary
- Information about Washington Elementary
At which school will my student’s Magnet G&T be located?
What is the area model, and when will it go into effect?
Starting for the 2024-25 school year, students who qualify for Magnet Gifted & Talented services will be assigned to a Magnet location. Which neighborhood schools are designated to which Magnet location is found in thie graphic.
Current Magnet students may choose to stay with the students and program they are currently; they do not have to enroll to their area Magnet school, although they may choose to. The model applies to any future Magnet students.
Parents who want to pursue a different Magnet location can request that through the ELP Department using the “Intent to Return” form. Transportation services will not be provided for out of area assignments.
What transportation services are available?
Bus services will be available for students outside of the walkable area of the school, and routes will be provided this spring.
- Bus routes will pick up and drop off from your neighborhood elementary school.
- If your student is moving with their current cohort, bus services will be available for at least 3 years, then evaluated for subsequent years.
- If your student is going to their area school, bus services are currently planned for the entirety of their elementary education.
- If your student’s location is neither your student’s assigned nor your area Magnet location, bus transportation is not available. This includes out of district Magnet students.
- Non-Magnet students are not eligible to use the bus routes made for Magnet.
Will special testing sessions for Magnet eligibility be created as part of the transition plan?
Which Magnet location is best?
What school-based services are available to Magnet students?
Is Magnet required for the IB program or AP classes in high school, or for access to better universities?
I want the best for my student. Is that Magnet?
The ELP Department will never say that Magnet Gifted & Talented is ‘better’ than a neighborhood school. It is a different service. The district’s elementary and middle schools provide a variety of STEM, Arts, and advanced learning opportunities for all students. Magnet Gifted & Talented provides specialized services to gifted and talented students, which is different than advanced academics or college prep curriculums, but it may or may not be the right fit for your student. Please talk with your student’s classroom teacher, the schools AAMP teacher, or reach out to the ELP Department if you have questions.
Information about Indian Hills Elementary
I am looking for the basic information of the school (like start/dismissal times, school procedures, etc.). Where can I find that?
The school’s website is the best place to find specific information about that site: indianhills.slcschools.org.
What are my PreK options?
Indian Hills has full day PreK. PreK registration is done through SLCSD’s Early Childhood department. Other locations and the application for PreK is available on Early Childhood’s website.
What afterschool care options are available?
Each elementary school has a Community Education Aftercare program that is staffed and run at their school site. Sign up is available on the Community Education website. Availability is first-come, first-served.
JCC is, currently, a third-party afterschool care provider that picks students up at Indian Hills.
Third party afterschool care (such as Boys and Girls Club, private individual-based care, etc.) are welcome to set the elementary school as a pickup location. We encourage parents to ask their current after-care arrangements if they will add the magnet location to their pickup route. There are many organizations (such as KidStage) that encourage parents to reach out and may add school stops based on demand.
The district nor the school do not recommend or endorse a specific care provider. Please research the best option for your family.
What are some special programs at Indian Hills?
Indian Hills has a great history of a variety of instructional opportunities for their students. This is mostly through the efforts of the Parent and Teacher Organization (PTO). Through their donations and support, there are currently extra art classes, hands-on science, and expanded music instruction.
As our school welcomes magnet families, we are excited to reconnect with our entire community to determine the best offerings for all our students within the funding that is generated.
How will the program change when it moves from Hawthorne to Indian Hills?
The only directed change to the program is moving from Hawthorne to Indian Hills. The magnet program was not part of the further study, so no changes are required by the district.
However, we can be positive and growth focused. This is an exciting opportunity to merge what is appreciated in magnet classrooms with what Indian Hills can offer. As the magnet program is integrated into the Indian Hills community, we are looking forward to opportunities for students to learn and achieve in this new location.
Information about Whittier Elementary
I am looking for the basic information of the school (like start/dismissal times, school procedures, etc.). Where can I find that?
The school’s website is the best place to find specific information about that site: whittier.slcschools.org.
What are my PreK options?
Whittier has half-day PreK (both morning and afternoon). PreK registration is done through SLCSD’s Early Childhood department. Other locations and the application for PreK is available on Early Childhood’s website.
What afterschool care options are available?
Each elementary school has a Community Education Aftercare program that is staffed and run at their school site. Sign up is available on the Community Education website. Availability is first-come, first-served.
The following third-party afterschool care providers pick up from Whittier:
- Boys and Girls Club
- JCC
- Camp Wild
Third party afterschool care (such as Boys and Girls Club, private individual-based care, etc.) are welcome to set the elementary school as a pickup location. We encourage parents to ask their current after-care arrangements if they will add the magnet location to their pickup route. There are many organizations (such as KidStage) that encourage parents to reach out and may add school stops based on demand.
The district nor the school do not recommend or endorse a specific care provider. Please research the best option for your family.
What are some special programs at Whittier?
Whittier has a great staff who seek multiple opportunities to enrich students’ experience. During the school day, students engage in enrichments like the Future Problem Solvers competition, debate, and various guest speakers to help students think about themselves beyond school. Whittier also has STEM nights, multi-cultural events, after school clubs like chess club, and Girls on the Run.
The magnet teachers are currently in a learning group to further enhance their social and emotional instruction to accelerate skill development in their magnet students.
How will the program change when more students potentially join the Whittier magnet program?
The evolution of people joining is exciting. The Whittier Magnet program sees this as a great opportunity to learn more about the world and people around us, refresh and expand our activities, and to connect with and inspire all our students.
Information about Edison Elementary
I am looking for the basic information of the school (like start/dismissal times, school procedures, etc.). Where can I find that?
The school’s website is the best place to find specific information about that site: edison.slcschools.org.
EWhat are my PreK options?
Edison has half-day PreK in the afternoon. PreK registration is done through SLCSD’s Early Childhood department. Other locations and the application for PreK is available on Early Childhood’s website.
What afterschool care options are available?
Each elementary school has a Community Education Aftercare program that is staffed and run at their school site. Sign up is available on the Community Education website. Availability is first-come, first-served.
The following third-party afterschool care providers pick up from Edison:
- Boys and Girls Club
- Youth City
- Neighborhood House
- Kid Care
Third party afterschool care (such as Boys and Girls Club, private individual-based care, etc.) are welcome to set the elementary school as a pickup location. We encourage parents to ask their current after-care arrangements if they will add the magnet location to their pickup route. There are many organizations (such as KidStage) that encourage parents to reach out and may add school stops based on demand.
The district nor the school do not recommend or endorse a specific care provider. Please research the best option for your family.
What are some special programs at Edison?
Edison students, which will include the incoming magnet students, have enjoyed a STEM focus in their enrichment. This includes a Computer Science and Robotics program for grades 3-5, visiting Hill AFB via the Starbase Hill collaboration, and participation in the Wasatch Mountain Science Institute. Also, the Digital Teaching and Learning team is highly involved at Edison, embracing 21st century teaching and learning skills for all students. This includes cross-implementation with the visual arts team at Edison, who incorporate the skills students are learning in their enrichments within the arts instruction.
What is the long-term plan for recruiting students for the Edison program?
The magnet location at Edison is an exciting opportunity for families to have greater access to gifted and talented instruction. There are gifts and talents throughout our district, and this location is a big part in access to those who need it. The ELP Department is equipped to support schools, parents, and students receive the services provided at Edison.
Information about Washington Elementary
I am looking for the basic information of the school (like start/dismissal times, school procedures, etc.). Where can I find that?
The school’s website is the best place to find specific information about that site: washington.slcschools.org.
What are my PreK options?
Washington has half-day PreK (both morning and afternoon). PreK registration is done through SLCSD’s Early Childhood department. Other locations and the application for PreK is available on Early Childhood’s website.
What afterschool care options are available?
Each elementary school has a Community Education Aftercare program that is staffed and run at their school site. Sign up is available on the Community Education website. Availability is first-come, first-served.
The following third-party afterschool care providers pick up from Washington:
- Boys and Girls Club
- Northwest Recreation Center
- Youth City
Third party afterschool care (any private or individual-based care) are welcome to set the elementary school as a pickup location. We encourage parents to ask their current after-care arrangements if they will add the magnet location to their pickup route. There are many organizations (such as KidStage) that encourage parents to reach out and may add school stops based on demand.
The district nor the school do not recommend or endorse a specific care provider. Please research the best option for your family.
What are some special programs at Washington?
Washington is the flagship elementary school of the district to work towards being a fully accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) school. This program is being implemented in both the magnet and neighborhood classrooms. The Primary Years Program (PYP) was developed by IB to increase the connectedness and preparedness of all students to maximize their high school IB experience. This is a profound program with many parts to it; we recommend parents to look further on the IB website.
Beyond IB PYP, Washington benefits from their proximity to multiple hallmarks of Salt Lake City culture, including the capital - through field trips and embedded civic opportunities – and the Salt Lake Acting Company. There are after-school piano lessons sponsored by the U, participation in Future Problem Solvers competition and the Math Counts competition, and much more.
How will the program change when more students potentially join the Washington magnet program?
The evolution of people joining is exciting. The Washinton Magnet program sees this as a great opportunity to learn more about the world and people around us, refresh and expand our activities, and to connect with and inspire all our students.