Request to Attend a School Outside Your Boundary

Most students attend the school assigned to their home address. In some situations, families may ask for their child to attend a different WRDSB elementary school. This is called an out‑of‑boundary request.

Out‑of‑boundary requests are considered carefully and depend on available space and specific circumstances.

Who Can Apply?

You may submit an out‑of‑boundary request if your child:

  • Has medical needs that cannot be met at their designated school
  • Has a Safe Schools–related concern
  • Would face undue hardship by attending the designated school

Please note:

  • Preference or convenience (for example, child care, closer to work, or school bell times) is not considered an acceptable reason.
  • Disagreement with school boundaries is not considered grounds for approval.

When You Do Not Need to Apply

The out‑of‑boundary process does not apply when the WRDSB assigns a student to a school for:

  • Specialized Special Education programs (e.g., ACE)
  • Multilingual Language Learner (MLL) programs
  • Accessibility‑related school placements
  • Safe Schools transfers
  • French Immersion (system program) placements, when accepted through the French Immersion process

Students Already Attending Out‑of‑Boundary

Students who have an approved out‑of‑boundary placement may continue at the school through the final approved grade listed on their Out‑of‑Boundary Acknowledgement Letter.

Before You Apply

Please keep in mind:

  • Approval depends on the availability of space at the requested school.
  • Schools that are closed to out‑of‑boundary requests will not accept applications.
  • Portables are not included in the assessment of available space.
  • Students who are currently suspended or expelled are not eligible.

Schools Closed to Out‑of‑Boundary Requests

Each year, the WRDSB publishes a list of schools that are closed due to enrolment, capacity, or growth pressures.

These schools do not accept applications or maintain waitlists.

Closed-Enrolment Schools (2026-2027)

  • Blair Road Public School
  • Groh Public School
  • King Edward Public School
  • Lackner Woods Public School
  • Laurelwood Public School
  • Sandowne Public School
  • Vista Hills Public School

How to Apply

  1. Complete the Out‑of‑Boundary Application Form.
  2. Submit your form to your designated school.

Timelines

  • Applications open: Ongoing
  • Deadline for the next school year: Last Friday in February
  • Decision communicated by: First Friday of the first week of May
  • Late applications: May be held until the third week of September or the September re‑organization

How Decisions Are Made

The designated school Principal reviews and decides on the request, considering:

  • Space availability
  • Class sizes and staffing requirements
  • Enrolment projections
  • Whether the request meets AP1040 criteria
  • Whether the student is currently under expulsion
  • Information provided by the family and the receiving school Principal

There is no waitlist for out‑of‑boundary requests.

Transportation

Families are responsible for arranging transportation.

Transportation eligibility under Board Policy 4009 does not apply to out‑of‑boundary placements.

If Your Request Is Approved

You will receive an Out‑of‑Boundary Acknowledgement Letter (Form IS‑25‑OOB‑B).

By signing, you acknowledge that:

  • The approval lasts only for the grade range listed
  • Families must provide transportation
  • Students must meet expectations for attendance, punctuality, and behaviour

If Your Request Is Not Approved

You may:

  1. Appeal to the receiving school Principal.
  2. If the appeal is still declined, submit a final appeal to the Superintendent of Student Achievement and Well‑Being (SAWB).

Questions?

Please contact your designated school office. They can help you:

  • Confirm your designated school
  • Understand the application process
  • Submit your form