Serving Those Who Serve
San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) is unique among California's educational giants. With over 113,000 students, it serves a diverse topography ranging from the coastal cliffs of La Jolla to the urban core. But what truly defines the district's operational landscape is its deep integration with the armed forces.
Home to massive naval bases, SDUSD educates one of the highest concentrations of military-connected students in the nation. For families receiving Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, the move is often rapid and stressful. When a child has an IEP, that stress is compounded by the fear of losing critical services during the transfer.
The Interstate Compact: Your Legal Shield
Federal & State Protection
Families searching for "San Diego Unified military family interstate compact IEP" are often looking for immediate continuity of care. The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children is a powerful tool designed to smooth this transition.
Key Protections for IEP Transfers
- Comparable Services: Upon transfer, SDUSD must provide services comparable to those in the previous IEP until they can either adopt the old IEP or develop a new one. This ensures no gap in coverage.
- 30-Day Timeline: Under California timeline laws, the district generally has 30 days to review the transfer IEP and hold an Interim Placement meeting.
Strategic Steps for PCS Moves
- Hand-Carry Records: Do not wait for the schools to mail files. Hand-carry a physical copy of the current IEP and the most recent eligibility report (psych eval) to the enrollment office.
- Contact the Liaison: SDUSD has dedicated Military School Liaison Officers. If you hit a roadblock, loop them in immediately. They understand the Compact better than many site administrators.
If the district proposes a placement that is significantly less supportive than what your child had at their previous duty station, you have the right to challenge this under California IEP laws.
From Base to Balboa
Balboa Park is the cultural heart of San Diego, home to world-class museums and the famous zoo. SDUSD leverages this with unique "School in the Park" programs, where the city becomes the classroom. For a military child used to the structured environment of a base, this open, exploratory learning model can be both exciting and overwhelming.
Transitioning to a decentralized district like SDUSD means navigating choices—magnets, neighborhood schools, and charter options. Just as a navigator charts a course through the harbor, parents must chart a course through these options.
Whether your child is participating in an i21 Interactive Classroom or a field trip to the Natural History Museum, their IEP supports must travel with them. The Compact ensures that the "map" you built at your last station is respected here, allowing your child to explore their new city with confidence.
Deployment Ready Data
You have orders to move; we have the strategy to land. Navigator Kids AI analyzes your current IEP and helps you draft a "Transfer Summary" to present to your new San Diego team, ensuring nothing gets lost in translation.
San Diego Military & Educational Resources
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
Mandatory enrollment program for military families with special needs, providing assignment coordination and family support.
Military SupportTeam of Advocates for Special Kids (TASK)
Serving San Diego, TASK helps families navigate the special education system and regional center services.
Advocacy GroupRelated California Guides
Educational Purpose Only: The information provided on this page regarding San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) and the Interstate Compact is for educational purposes only. Navigator Kids AI is not a law firm, and this content does not constitute legal advice. Military orders and district policies are subject to change. Always verify current procedures with your School Liaison Officer (SLO) or legal counsel.