Here are the exceptions he has to meet:
a. A transfer following a local child welfare agency approved change in residence;
b. A school-initiated administrative transfer within a school district;
c. A transfer following a court order directing such transfer or
change in residence;
d. A transfer caused by a military reassignment of a parent;
e. A transfer caused by release from a juvenile facility;
f. A transfer following a school’s decision to terminate its
interscholastic athletic program;
g. A transfer following a bona fide change of residence resulting from a change in employer of a parent;
h. A transfer following an involuntary substantial change in financial condition and resources that compels withdrawal from a school.
Documentation required: documents showing (1) a substantial reduction in family income and, (2) that tuition assistance was sought and denied or was insufficient to overcome the substantial reduction in family income.
i. A transfer occurring after a school closes;
j. A transfer resulting from bullying, harassment, or other misconduct directed at the student.
Documentation required: (1) written corroboration from persons unrelated to the student and/or the student’s family that the alleged misconduct occurred, and (2) a letter from school administration that confirms the student timely sought assistance of appropriate school personnel to address such misconduct and that the school agrees that a transfer was appropriate.
k. A transfer because of violence, or a threat of violence, directed against the student.
Documentation required: copy of the police and/or school report(s) of the incident(s). A general assertion of dangerous conditions in a school or community will not support a request under this provision.
All the residency requirements won’t apply, because he’s going to/from two non-catchment schools in Philly (one obviously private). I know there have been rumors about grades, which notably does not provide an exception.