Graphic with photo of nurse program student and Choose Mckinney ISD with logo and six pillars of MISD and text reading you have a choice, and we are inviting you to discoverall that Mckinney ISD has to offer

McKinney, Texas — McKinney ISD announces Choose McKinney ISD, an exciting new initiative that allows families the flexibility to enroll their children in McKinney ISD schools, even if they reside outside the district’s boundaries.

Choose McKinney ISD is available to those entering Kindergarten - 8th grade who reside within McKinney ISD (intradistrict), students who reside outside of McKinney ISD (interdistrict), and those seeking to participate in specific programs within McKinney ISD.

Choose McKinney ISD includes an application process based on eligibility requirements and campus availability at selected campuses.

Choose McKinney ISD Eligible Campuses

Elementary Schools

Bennett Elementary
Caldwell Elementary
Eddins Elementary
Reuben Johnson Elementary
Malvern Elementary
McGowen Elementary
McNeil Elementary
Minshew Elementary
Wilmeth Elementary
Wolford Elementary

Middle Schools

Dowell Middle School
Evans Middle School
Faubion Middle School

two boys in a group smiling at the camera with arms around each others shoulders

2025-2026 Choose McKinney ISD Application Process

Apply Online: Starting February 3, parents can complete the application and submit all required documents. You can find more information and the application on our website.

Await Approval: You will receive notification once your application has been reviewed and approved.

Enroll: Upon approval, complete the registration process through McKinney ISD's online enrollment system.

Transfer Eligibility Criteria

Students must meet the following:

  • Residency in Texas.

  • Attendance of 90% or better in the prior academic year.

  • No expulsions or alternative education placement in the prior academic years.

  • Satisfactory grades in all subjects.

Transportation

  • Parents/guardians are responsible for transportation for approved transfers.

  • Timely and safe transportation is mandatory; violations may result in revocation.

UIL and Extracurricular Activities

  • Transfer students must comply with all school district and UIL rules.

  • Detailed eligibility guidelines are available through coach/director of the extra-curricular activity or the UIL and should be investigated fully by the parent. 

  • Parents should verify activity eligibility before applying.

Revocation

  • Transfer agreements may be revoked for violations of terms, behavior, attendance, or academic concerns.

  • Serious incidents may lead to immediate revocation without notice.

  • Revocations are provided in writing and result in future transfer ineligibility.

Appeals
Transfer decisions, including approvals, denials, and revocations, are final and not subject to  appeal.

two female students working in a lab with protective gear on

Important things to Know

Application Process

Transfer requests must be submitted through the District’s transfer request process and completed in full, including all required documentation. Incomplete requests will be denied but may be submitted once completed.

Capacity

Transfers are accepted until the selected campus reaches capacity, as determined by the District.

Priority

Approval is on a first-come, first-served basis, determined by the timestamp of the completed submission.

Waitlist

Applicants not selected due to capacity are placed on a waitlist. Notifications are issued as seats become available.

Revocation

Violations of the transfer agreement may result in immediate revocation, and ineligibility for future transfer applications.

teacher at round desk working with group of elementary students

Intradistrict Transfers (Residents)

Interdistrict Transfers (Non-Residents)

Transfer Consideration for 2025-26

Kindergarten through 8th Grade Transfers

  • Transfer requests are accepted for Kindergarten through 8th grade. Students may apply annually to transfer to campuses with available space.

Returning Transfer Students

  • Once an intradistrict transfer has been approved, the student may remain at the assigned campus for the duration of the grade levels offered.

High School Transfers

  • For the 2025–2026 school year, intradistrict high school transfers will be available for program-specific acceptance. General high school transfer requests will open for the 2026–2027 school year.

Duration: Approved transfers allow students to remain at the campus for all offered grade levels, provided they comply with District policies and maintain residency.

Application Process: Transfers to feeder campuses require a new application. Approval for a transfer to a lower-grade campus does not guarantee approval for the corresponding higher-grade feeder campus.

Transfer Consideration for 2025-26

Kindergarten through 8th Grade Transfers

  • Transfers are accepted for Kindergarten through 8th grade. Students may apply annually to transfer to campuses with available space.

High School Transfers

  • Interdistrict transfers will not be accepted for the 2025-2026 school year. However, they will open for the 2026–2027 school year.

Duration: If participants remain in good standing, they will be eligible for a simplified renewal process.

Application Process: Transfer requests must be submitted annually through the District’s process and completed in full, including all required documentation.

✔️ Residency in Texas.

✔️ Attendance of 90% or better in the prior academic year.

✔️ No expulsions or alternative education placement in the prior academic year.

✔️ Passing grades in all subjects and satisfactory standardized test scores.

✔️ No additional staffing or resources required at the requested campus.

female student playing violin during classWhy Now?

Proactive Response to Changes in Public Education

Adapt to the changing dynamics of public education to ensure continued success

Retain and Attract Students

Respond to the growing trend in nearby districts to maintain McKinney ISD's competitive edge and remain a top choice for families.

Provide Flexibility for Families

Offer more options for parents while utilizing available space efficiently and effectively

Ensure Financial Stability

Support a financially stable future by maximizing enrollment and resources

For more than 100 years, McKinney ISD has demonstrated a deep commitment to the families of our diverse community, continuously providing new and exciting opportunities for our students. Now, we are able to extend those opportunities to families in and beyond McKinney ISD. We offer deep roots, a deep commitment to every student, every day, and a wealth of opportunities for all.