Titles I and II Private Non-Profit School Information

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as reauthorized by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, provides benefits to private school students, teachers and other education personnel, including those in religiously affiliated schools.  These services are considered assistance to students and teachers rather than private schools themselves.

To ensure equitable participation, the LEA (local educational agency-APS) must assess, address and evaluate the needs of private school students and teachers; spend an equal amount of funds per student to provide services; provide private school students and teachers with an opportunity to participate in activities equivalent to the opportunity provided public school students and teachers; and offer services that are secular, neutral and non-ideological. *

Title I Part A: Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged

Title I services may be provided on site at a private school, including religiously affiliated schools, or at other locations. Funds are generated on the basis of the number of children from low-income families who reside in participating public school attendance areas and attend private schools. Instruction may take place during the school day, before or after school, or in the summer.  Program models include: pullout, tutoring, counseling, family literacy, and computer-assisted instruction.  These services and other benefits must be comparable to those provided to public school students and teachers participating in the program, and they must be provided in a timely manner.  In addition, the law requires equitable participation of private school teachers of Title I students in professional development activities and of parents of Title I students in parent involvement activities.*

Title II, Part A: Preparing, Training and Recruiting High-Quality Teachers and Principals

The amount of funding available for services to private school personnel is governed by Section 9501 (b) (3), which requires equitable participation of private school teachers and other education personnel to the extent that the LEA uses its funds for professional development.  As with any activity that the LEA carries out for public school teachers, activities supported with Title II, Part A funds that benefit private school teachers must meet the requirements of the statute.  Activities may include improving teachers’ knowledge in the core academic subjects and effective instructional teaching strategies; technology integration training; teaching students with different learning styles; using assessments to improve instruction and student outcomes; involving parents more effectively; and education leadership development.

* Activities must be based on a review of scientifically based research and must be expected to improve student academic achievement.

Why federal funds cannot be “reimbursed” directly to private schools

Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) – No Child Left Behind

Section 1120.  Participation of Children Enrolled in Private Schools

(d) Public Control of Funds

(1) In General – The control of funds provided under this part, and title to materials, equipment, and property purchased with such funds, shall be in a public agency, and a public agency shall administer such funds materials, equipment, and property.

* Benefits to Private School Students and Teachers, US Department of Education