South Pasadena Unified School District

Skip to main content

Interdistrict Permits and Interdistrict Releases

UPDATED 2.2.26

 

We are delighted that you are interested in joining the South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD). Whether you are a new family hoping to join us, a current family moving grade levels, or a resident looking for opportunities elsewhere, we are here to guide you through the permitting process.

 

Please review the category below that applies to your family to see the specific requirements for the 2026-2027 School Year.

 

🌟 New Applicants (Families not currently enrolled in SPUSD)

 

 

We welcome applications from families residing outside the district boundaries. To ensure a fair process, applications are reviewed based on space availability and student criteria.

 

How to Apply

The application process is entirely online for your convenience.

 

 

Application Checklist

STEP 1: Complete the online Inter-district Permit Application in the Informed K12 portal. 

STEP 2: Submit supporting documentation in the Informed K12 portal (once requested via email).

 

Supporting Documentation Needed for a Complete Application:

  1. Release Permit: An approved release for 2026-2027 from your home district.
  2. Report Cards:
    • Grades 1–12: Copy of most recent report card meeting criteria below.
    • Incoming Kinder: If the child attended TK in 2025-26, please provide the TK report card that meets the criteria below.
  3. Assessment Results (Grades 4–12):
    • Most recent CAASPP/SBAC scores (previous years are acceptable) meeting the criteria below.
    • Private School applicants: Most recent standardized test scores (English & Math) meeting criteria below.
  4. Reason for Request: Supporting documents based on your specific reason (see the Documentation Guide below).
  5. Special Services: If applicable, attach evidence of GATE, 504, SPED, or ELL services.

 

STEP 3: Review your submission to ensure all documents have been included. For an application to be considered complete, all supporting documents must be submitted. Incomplete applications without supporting documents will not be processed.

 

Student Criteria for Admission

We are seeking students who demonstrate strong academic and citizenship skills.

  • Academics (Secondary): 3.0+ Academic GPA (cumulative and most recent report card).
  • Academics (Elementary): Above-average grades.
  • Citizenship: No more than one "Unsatisfactory" mark/comment.
  • Attendance: The student's most recent report card must show satisfactory attendance without chronic absenteeism or tardiness.
  • Assessment: Meeting or exceeding standards in all subject areas.
  • Dual Immersion: Applicants must meet language fluency requirements in addition to the criteria above.

 

Documentation Guide

Below is a chart of documents that must be submitted during the supporting documentation windowPlease note that incomplete applications will not be processed. Requests will be considered based on local board policies and on individual merit.

 

Reason for Request

Documentation Required

Child Care

¨ Proof of employment of all parents/guardians who are involved in the student’s life on a day-to-day basis

-    Copy of a recent pay stub

-    Letter on the employer’s stationery verifying schedule (hours and days) and location of employment

-    If self-employed, letter stating schedule (hours and days) and location of employment

¨ Letter from the adult, center or organization providing childcare

-    Name, address, and contact information of the adult, center or organization

-    Child care license number and fees, if applicable

-    Hours of operation for the center or organization, or hours that the student is under care

-    Length of time student has been under care by the adult, center or organization

¨ Letter from parent/guardian explaining the circumstances that an inter-district permit is necessary under child care reasons

Parent Employment

¨ Proof of employment of all parents/guardians who are involved in the student’s life on a day-to-day basis

-    Copy of a recent pay stub

-    Letter on the employer’s stationery verifying schedule (hours and days) and location of employment

-    If self-employed, letter stating schedule (hours and days) and location of employment

¨ Letter from parent/guardian explaining the circumstances that an inter-district permit is necessary under parent employment reasons

Sibling

¨ Name, grade, and school where the sibling attends (sibling must already attend the proposed district of attendance)

¨ Copy of the sibling’s last report card

¨ Copy of the sibling’s release permit from the district of residence

Health & Safety

¨ Letter or report from a doctor, psychologist, or other appropriate person verifying health-related issues (if applicable)

¨ Police or school report supporting safety-related issues (if applicable)

¨ Letter from parent/guardian explaining the circumstance that an inter-district permit is necessary under health and safety reasons

Specialized Program

¨ Copy of the flyer, brochure, or other informational material detailing the specialized program in which the student is interested

¨ Letter from parent/guardian expressing the extent of the student’s interest in the specialized program, and how the program is either unavailable or not comparable at the district of residence

Continuing Enrollment

¨ Copy of the student’s last report card

¨ Letter from parent/guardian stating the enrollment history (grade and school/district) of the student since kindergarten

Final Year

¨ Copy of the student’s last report card

Change in Residence

¨ Copy of escrow documents

 

Important Dates & Backup Plans

  • Notification: We will notify you of the decision as early as space availability can be determined and no later than Friday, August 26, 2026.
  • Plan B: Because space is limited, we strongly recommend you make a backup plan. If your backup school begins before August 12, 2026, and you have not heard from us, please plan to attend your backup school.

 

 

🔄 Current Permit Students (Families already attending SPUSD on a permit)

 

 

If your child is currently attending SPUSD (2025-26) on a permit, please check if you need to take action (renew) for the 2026-2027 school year.

Who Needs to Renew? (Transition Years)

Action is required ONLY if your child is moving from:

  • 5th Grade  6th Grade
  • 8th Grade  9th Grade

The Steps:

  1. Obtain a new release from your home district.
  2. Complete a new SPUSD Permit Application (fillable form linked below).
  3. Email both to [email protected] by Friday, June 5, 2026.
    • Note: If your home district cannot issue a release by June 5, please email us to let us know.

Who Does NOT Need to Renew?

If your child is NOT transitioning to middle or high school (e.g., moving from 2nd to 3rd grade, or 6th to 7th grade), no action is required. Your current contract remains valid until the completion of 5th or 8th grade.

Special Instructions for LAUSD Residents

 

Reminders for All Permit Renewals: To remain eligible for enrollment, students must maintain proficient grades (transcript/report card required), satisfactory attendance and citizenship, and proficient standardized test scores as outlined in Administrative Regulation 5117.

 

🏡 SPUSD Families Moving Away (Current residents moving out of district)

Are you planning to move out of South Pasadena but hope to keep your child in SPUSD?

Before you move: Please contact the Office of Instruction immediately. To switch from "Resident" to "Inter-district Permit" status, your child must meet specific attendance, citizenship, and academic criteria. You must also obtain a release from your new district of residence.

Contact us at 626-441-5810 x1120 to discuss your situation.

 

📤 Inter-district Releases (Residents wishing to attend school outside SPUSD)

If you live in South Pasadena but wish for your child to attend a public school in another district for 2026-2027:

  1. Complete the online Inter-district Release Application in the Informed K12 portal.
  2. You will receive a response from the Informed K12 portal to the email address you used to submit the Release Application.

Questions?

We are here to help! If your question is not answered above, please contact the SPUSD Office of Instruction. 📞 Phone: 626-441-5810 X1123