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Steps to Enroll in a Deferment Program

The decision to pursue deferment programming is a student-centered determination made by the IEP team, based on established deferment criteria. In St. Johns County, an application process is used to track students interested in deferment, support planning, and help coordinate IEP meetings. Applications are reviewed with families during program tours.

Students, parents/guardians, and IEP teams are encouraged to review the Understanding Deferment section in the SJCSD Transition Guide to become familiar with deferment options and entrance criteria.

Important: If a student intends to defer their diploma, the IEP team must finalize this decision no later than May 15 of the student’s senior year, as required by state statute.

For questions or assistance, please contact:

Steps to Enroll in a Deferment Program

(After High School)

Explore SJCSD Transition Programs
IEP teams usually begin discussing deferment options as early as 9th grade. We encourage families to attend the annual SJCSD Transition Fair in February – it’s a valuable opportunity to learn about the different programs available, who they support, and the services they offer to help students prepare for adult life.

IEP Team Review
During your student’s junior year (11th grade), the IEP team will determine whether your student is eligible to defer their high school diploma and participate in a SJCSD Transition Program.

Visit the SJCSD Transition Programs
We encourage families to visit the SJCSD Transition Programs before May 15th of the student’s senior year to meet the staff, explore the environment, and ask questions. To schedule a tour of Life Work and Community Campus, simply complete the sign-up form on our website.

Deferment Review (Senior Year – 12th grade)
During your student’s senior year, the school team will revisit the deferment plan to make sure it’s still the right fit and supports your student’s goals.

Transition Interview
Depending on the program your student is interested in, they may be asked to participate in a short interview with a transition special ist to help us better understand their goals and support needs.

IEP Meeting with Program Staff
An IEP meeting will be held with a representative from the SJCSD Transition Program to finalize your student’s plan for the next school year. This IEP meeting will take place no later than May 15th of their senior year.

 

 Enrollment Process  For Students Transferring from Out of State or Out of District 
This process is only applicable to SJCSD Transition Programs (Life Work or Community Campus) 

How to Enroll Your Student 

All students must be registered through the St. Johns County School District online enrollment portal: SJCSD Enrollment Portal 

When completing the online forms: 

  • Use Google Chrome or Firefox for the best experience. 
  • Double-check the school year selected at the top of the form to ensure you’re completing the correct application. 
  • You will receive a confirmation email once the application is successfully submitted. 

Important: You must upload all required documents before you can submit the application. You may save and return later to finish if needed. See the Residency Requirements for more information. 

If you need help, you may: 

  • Call: (904) 547-7622 
  • Email: [email protected]  
    Please include your student’s full name in any correspondence. 

Enrollment in a Transition Program 

To ensure your student’s records are sent to the correct school, please follow these steps during the online enrollment application: 

  • Enter your student’s home address and click on “find zoned school”. The system will display their zoned school. 
  • Please be sure to respond to the next question regarding “Alternative School” 
  • From the dropdown menu, select: 
  • Life Work (School 0072) or Community Campus (School 0073) 

Your application will automatically be routed to your zoned school based on your address.  Selecting the “Alternative School” from the dropdown will help the zoned school move your application to the selected alternative school in a timely manner. 

Final Step: Notify Us 

Once your application is submitted, please notify our team so we can ensure your student’s records are transferred to the appropriate transition program.  

To confirm this step, please contact: 

  • Phone: St. Johns County Transition Programs at (904) 547-3433 

What Happens Next? 

A district program specialist and guidance staff will review the student’s records to verify eligibility for a standard diploma and confirm documented proof of deferment eligibility. Once this is confirmed, an IEP meeting will be scheduled to discuss program placement. 

Disclaimer: Participation in St. Johns County School District (SJCSD) Transition Programs, including Life Work and Community Campus, requires completion of an application and review process to determine the appropriateness of placement in accordance with the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) requirements, as outlined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Program decisions are based on multiple factors, including the student’s present levels of performance, transition goals, and level of independence in vocational, social, and self-determination skills. 

Following review of the application, a district representative will contact the family to schedule an IEP team meeting to determine eligibility and placement. Continued participation in any SJCSD Transition Program is contingent upon the student’s ability to meaningfully engage with and benefit from the services and supports provided, as defined in the IEP. If a student is unable to meet program expectations, the IEP team will reconvene to determine appropriate next steps and identify services in an alternative setting. 

Decisions regarding student promotion, retention, or special placement are primarily the responsibility of the school’s professional staff, in alignment with district and state regulations. Florida Statute 1008.25 places the authority for such decisions with the school principal and the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Team or its equivalent. There is no provision for voluntary retention or placement based solely on parent or student preference.