The transfer of schools operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to public school systems has been occurring for more than 100 years. When these schools are transferred to the public school systems, a financial impact on school operations, school construction, and the instructional program is felt by the public schools. Because of the financial impact and the special needs of schools educating Indian children, problems arise from transferring BIA schools to public schools. In the past, transfers have been accomplished through political pressure and arbitrary decisions. Today, most educators in the BIA and public schools, along with many tribal leaders, agree that what is needed is a planned program for transfer that involves the mutual readiness of Indian people and non-Indian people; financial support from the local school district, state, and Federal Sources; and training of Indians and non-Indians in school affairs. A process consisting of 6 phases--compilation of basic data, school evaluation, determination of present status of transition or transfer, development of community readiness, preparation of a time-table, and follow-up--is presented in this paper. (LS)