Plan ahead

Sign-ups open Dec 4

Desert Sands schools: transfer, magnet and academy applications

Desert Sands Unified School District. Ages TK-12. Across the valley

Apply here if you want your child at a Desert Sands school other than your neighborhood school next year, including magnet schools and academies.

Cost: Free. Opens 8 a.m. Dec 4 and closes 4:30 p.m. Feb 27. Apply online at k12transfers.com. A lottery is used when a school has more requests than seats. 5th and 8th graders already on a transfer must reapply when moving up.

Sign-ups open around Jan 4

Palm Springs schools: school-of-choice transfer window

Palm Springs Unified School District. Ages TK-12. Across the valley

The main window to ask for your child to attend a Palm Springs Unified school other than your zoned school next year.

Cost: Free. Last year it ran Jan 5 - March 6. Requests are only accepted during the window, and only for schools taking transfers.

This year's date isn't posted yet, so this is when it was last year. Check before you go.

Sign-ups open around Mar 15

Coachella Valley Unified TK and kindergarten pre-registration

Coachella Valley Unified School District. Ages 4-5. Across the valley

Pre-register online for TK or kindergarten at your neighborhood school so the district can plan classes for fall.

Cost: Free. The district says it starts in mid-March. Done online through Aeries. You'll need a birth certificate, immunization record, physical exam and proof of address.

This year's date isn't posted yet, so this is when it was last year. Check before you go.

Starts around Mar 31

Desert Sands TK and kindergarten enrollment fair

Desert Sands Unified School District. Ages 4-5. Across the valley

An afternoon fair at the district office to learn about TK and kindergarten and get help enrolling.

Cost: Free. Last year it was April 1, 2:00-6:00 p.m. at the District Education Center, 47-950 Dune Palms Rd, La Quinta. TK is for kids turning 4 by Sept 1; kindergarten for kids turning 5 by Sept 1.

This year's date isn't posted yet, so this is when it was last year. Check before you go.

Sign-ups open around Apr 26

Desert Sands TK and kindergarten registration

Desert Sands Unified School District. Ages 4-5. Across the valley

Pick up and turn in a registration packet at your neighborhood elementary school to enroll your child in TK or kindergarten for fall.

Cost: Free. Last year packets came out April 27. Bring a birth certificate, proof of address and immunization records. Kindergartners need a dental check.

This year's date isn't posted yet, so this is when it was last year. Check before you go.

Sign-ups open around May 3

Palm Springs schools: second transfer window (elementary)

Palm Springs Unified School District. Ages TK-5. Across the valley

A one-week second chance to ask for an elementary school transfer.

Cost: Free. Last year it was May 4-8, elementary schools only.

This year's date isn't posted yet, so this is when it was last year. Check before you go.

Sign-ups open around Jun 1

Coachella Valley Unified transfer window opens

Coachella Valley Unified School District. Ages TK-12. Across the valley

Families who want to transfer into or out of the district can start sending transfer requests for next school year.

Cost: Free. Requests are reviewed on set dates through the year. Confirm with the district's Student Support Services.

This year's date isn't posted yet, so this is when it was last year. Check before you go.

Starts Aug 11

Palm Springs schools first day of school

Palm Springs Unified School District. Ages TK-12. Across the valley

Classes begin for the 2027-28 school year.

TK is for kids turning 4 by Sept 1; kindergarten for kids turning 5 by Sept 1. Register through the district's online registration.

Starts Aug 18

Desert Sands first day of school

Desert Sands Unified School District. Ages TK-12. Across the valley

Classes begin for the 2027-28 school year.

From the board-adopted 2027-28 calendar.