Chapter 9: Students in Private School
Understanding Your Child's Special Education Options
Who is this for? This chapter is for parents who have a child attending private elementary, middle or high school or who are considering moving their child from public school to private school.
 Why is this important? IDEA 2004 includes new provisions to ensure that students in private elementary and secondary schools have access to special education services. It also includes strict requirements to follow when moving an IDEA-eligible student from a public to a private school.
What can parents do? Parents should understand the obligations of their local school district as required by IDEA so they can be sure their child is receiving services to the maximum extent allowed. Parents considering moving a child who is receiving special education services from a public to a private school need to understand the legal requirements involved in making such a move if they intend to ask the school district to pay for the private school.
Words and Terms to Know
Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE): Special education and related services that are provided at public expense, under public supervision and direction, and without charge to the parent, and that meet the standards of the state education department. Special education and related services must be provided in conformity with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) as required by IDEA.
Note: The IDEA Parent Guide was created to provide a basic understanding of the key requirements of the federal law under IDEA. The information presented here is not legal advice and should not be used as a legal resource.
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