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For many years, Fulton County Schools has provided options for students to attend a school different than the one zoned for their home. Governed under School Board Policy JBCC, parents and guardians can apply annually through COSA (Change of School Assignment), the district’s annual student transfer process which was updated in 2024. No specific academic, hardship or medical reason is needed; however, the school must be part of the district’s list of accepting schools. For special education-related transfers, the accepting school also must offer the specific program and services outlined in the student’s IEP or Section 504 Plan.

Children of military families, children experiencing homelessness, cases of excessive travel or distance, and victims of violent criminal offenses are exempt from the Change of Student Assignment process per Policy JBCC.

An Overview of the COSA Process

Annual Application Timeline
FCS student transfer programs fall under a single application process that occurs only once during the school year. The application window opened December 1, 2025, and closed January 9, 2026. Approved transfers take effect the next school year.

Application Categories
There are three application categories: General, Fulton County Schools Employee, and Georgia Special Needs Scholarship.

List of Accepting Schools
The list of FCS schools accepting transfers is published on the COSA website at the beginning of the application window. Only schools on the list are eligible for transfers.

Grandfathered-In Students and Renewals
Students with transfers approved before 8/1/24 are grandfathered-in and may remain through the school’s highest grade. Application renewals are not required for COSA transfers as long as the student continues at the same school. Special needs transfer students may stay if their program remains available at the accepting school.

Student Expectations to Maintain Enrollment
If a transfer is approved, students must meet these requirements to maintain enrollment:

  • Transportation provided by the parent/guardian or student
  • Satisfactory attendance
  • Good academic standing
  • Behavior compliance with the district’s Student Code of Conduct
     

FCS Employees with Children
Full-time, benefit-eligible FCS employees can enroll their child(ren) in schools within their work location’s feeder pattern as long as they provide transportation and maintain employment. Employees seeking a school outside of their work-based feeder pattern may use COSA to apply to schools with available classroom space.

Applications to F.A.V.E. and Charter Schools
Charter schools and Fulton Academy of Virtual Excellence (F.A.V.E.) are not part of the COSA process. They follow the same application timeline as COSA but manage their own admissions processes. Parents should contact the schools for information.

Schools with Magnet Programs
Students wishing to attend a school offering a magnet program (3DE, STEM, STEAM, International Baccalaureate or Visual and Performing Arts) must follow the COSA process first to ensure they may attend the selected school. Transfer approvals do not guarantee admission into the magnet program; a separate application process occurs at the school after COSA approval.

Several magnet schools accept students from across the district through a school-managed application process and timeline. Parents should contact these schools for admissions information.

 

Important Points to Remember

  • Applications are only accepted during the published timeline (December 1, 2025 to January 9, 2026). Applications will not be accepted before or after the application window, and those who miss it must wait until the next school year’s application window.
  • Parents/guardians may apply at any time during the application window.
  • Applications submitted on the last day receive the same consideration as applications submitted on the first day.
  • Up to three (3) schools, in priority order, may be requested. 
  • Student transfers are granted based upon space availability. If applications exceed the number of seats at a school, a lottery will determine placement.
  • If a transfer is approved:
    • Parents/guardians/students must provide their own transportation to the accepting school.
    • Students’ attendance, academic standing and behavior will be reviewed every 9 weeks to continue enrollment.
  • Georgia Special Needs Scholarship transfers will be conditional on an IEP team’s decision that the child’s needs can be met at the receiving school.
  • If a student receives special education services and has an IEP, any transfer will be conditional on an IEP team’s decision that the child’s needs can be met at the receiving school.
  • Applications will only be accepted for schools with available spaces. Applications requesting a school that is not accepting transfers will not be accepted.
  • Individual schools are not permitted to allow students residing out of their attendance zone to enroll without an approved transfer.
  • Transportation is the responsibility of the parent/guardian or student.

Student Assignment Office
6201 Powers Ferry Road NW
Atlanta, GA 30339
Phone: 470-254-5550
Email

 

Application window for 2026-2027 school year closed January 9, 2026.

VIDEO: How to Complete the COSA 2026-2027 Application

Helpful Resources

COSAexplainer1 (PDF)

 

 

Key Dates:

  • December 1, 2025
    Opening of application window
    List of schools accepting transfers announced.
     
  • January 9, 2026 
    Application window closes
    School district begins aligning eligible applications with available schools.
     
  • Mid/Late January 2026
    School district sends notification by email of acceptance or denial to parents/guardians.
     
  • May 21, 2026
    Last day of 2025-2026 school year.
     
  • August 3, 2026
    First day of 2026-2027 school year; Students with approved COSA transfers start their new school.