Collaboration with Private Schools

Under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as reauthorized by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), several federal programs require school districts to provide equitable participation of private school students, teachers, principals and other school leaders. Elementary and secondary private schools, including those in religiously affiliated schools, with non-profit status are eligible to participate in many ESSA programs, as well as IDEA and Perkins V funding programs as applicable.

ESSA programs include:

• Title I, Part A - Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged
• Title I, Part C - Education of Migratory Children
• Title II, Part A - Supporting Effective Instruction
• Title III, Part A - English Language Acquisition and Language Enhancement
• Title IV, Part A - Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grant
• Title IV, Part B - 21st Century Community Learning Centers

Section 1117 of ESSA contains provisions that pertain to the participation of students enrolled in private schools under Title I, Part A and Title I, Part C.

Title VIII of ESSA - sections 8501-8506 - contains the Uniform Provisions (Part F) language that pertains to the participation by private school students and other educational personnel in the programs listed above.

Outside of ESSA, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (Section 1412 (a) (10)) and the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V) - Section 217, also contain similar requirements for equitable participation of private schools.

More information regarding private school participation in federal programs can be found in the district's Private School Consultation & Program Coordination Handbook (see link below). In addition, a summary of federal programs and forms required as part of the initial collaboration process are available for download below.

Consultation for the 2025-2026 School Year

An informational meeting is scheduled from 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM on October 29, 2024 for nonprofit private schools to learn more about participating in available federal programs. Details about the informational session will be emailed directly to schools which are located in Seminole County and are listed on the Florida Department of Education Private School Directory.

• Agenda for the October 2024 Informational Meeting
• Equitable Services Presentation for 2025-2026 Consultation

To participate in available federal programs, private schools must Complete the Federal Programs Interest Form and submit proof of nonprofit status.  Documentation of nonprofit status may be uploaded when submitting the Federal Programs Interest Form.

Additional Information:

• Summary of Federal Programs / District Contacts
• SCPS Private School Consultation & Program Coordination Handbook
• Consultation Attestation

Federal Programs Contact List 2025-2026