WHAT IF WE MOVE DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR?

For all withdrawals during the current school year, the withdrawal process is completed at the school enrolled. Richmond County Schools requires 24 hours to complete the withdrawal packet from the time you make the request.  However, this process can take longer pending the principal’s approval. Upon the finalized withdrawal, the student(s) is/are to return all textbooks, library books, athletic uniforms and/or any other school-provided supplies or equipment. Failure to return school property may delay the release of the withdrawal packet.

WHAT IF WE MOVE OVER THE SUMMER?

1. If your move is during the summer months, please complete an Official Withdrawal Request Form. (NOTES: Do we have an official Withdrawal Request Form)
2. You may drop off, mail or fax your request to the last school your child was enrolled in. 
3. The school staff will notify you when your records are available.
4. A records request will be required from the school in which your child is enrolling to release records. We need to know the name of the school or if outside Georgia, the name of the state your student will be attending.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO WITHDRAW A STUDENT?

The end of a quarter marking period is GOOD, the end of a semester is BETTER; however, the end of the school year or during the summer is BEST. Dates for the quarter marking periods and semester breaks can be found on the district school calendar. We recommend you call your new school prior to withdrawing your student. You will want to know if they are on a traditional semester schedule, block, or trimester schedule. Transferring mid-year can be difficult for a student and a primary concern is the student does not lose credit. Students who request to leave prior to the end of a school year or a semester may not be able to receive credit for courses. Please check with the new school in advance.

WHO CAN WITHDRAW A STUDENT?

Generally, the enrolling custodial parent or a legally court-appointed guardian can withdraw a student. Be prepared to present a driver’s license and in some instances, a certified copy of a court order. Verification will be made to ensure you are on the student’s personal information card. The person who is the emergency contact can only withdraw a student if they are the custodial parent or legal court-appointed guardian. 

WHAT WILL RCSS NEED ONCE YOU WITHDRAW?

Richmond County Schools must receive verification that your child is enrolled in your new school. Your new school should send a Records Request within ten (10) days of withdrawal unless you are homeschooling your child.  In the event that a child is withdrawn from a public school to attend a home student program and does not have a Home School Program Declaration of Intent filed pursuant to Code Section 20-2-690 within 45 days of such withdrawal, the school shall refer the matter to the Division of Family and Children Services of the Department of Human Services to conduct an assessment.

THINGS THAT CAN ASSIST TO ENSURE A SMOOTH TRANSITION

• Tell us when your child will be leaving as early as possible.
• Tell us where you are going and the name of your child's new school and the city, state.
• Call ahead to determine if your child's new school has special programs available, uses block or traditional scheduling (secondary), or is a magnet school.
• Call to discuss withdrawal procedures with the appropriate school personnel at your child's school.
• When you get to the new school if you need further information or have questions, do not hesitate to call your previous school. 

WHAT IS AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT?

An official transcript is stamped and sealed. The official transcript is mailed to the school that submits the Record Request.

WHAT ARE WITHDRAWAL GRADES?

These are grades submitted by each teacher indicating grades the student has earned up to the time he/she left their class. The new school will need these grades to give the teachers some guidance as to how the student is performing in that class. Not all grades may transfer. It may depend on the availability of classes at the new school.

WHAT ABOUT ANY ABSENCES ACCUMULATED? 

Absences your student has accumulated through the current semester may carry over to the new school.

WHAT IF YOU CHOOSE TO HOMESCHOOL? 

Please note that Richmond County Schools does not provide or endorse any home school courses or services. Information regarding state requirements for curriculum or additional information about home school can be found at Georgia Department of Education – Home School.

Georgia law requires parents or guardians who teach children at home to submit to the Georgia Department of education (GADOE) an online Declaration of Intent Form. (https://www.gado.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Pages/Home-Study-DOI.aspx) A Declaration of Intent must be submitted to the Georgia Department of Education within 30 days after establishment of a home student program and by September 1 annually thereafter. The school will also need a copy of this form.