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.
Consultation Meetings
Consultation meetings are held throughout the year with private schools to ensure students have the ability to participate in programs. These meetings are essential to providing timely and meaningful discussions. New schools opting into the following year should attend the November and May meetings.
- 2024-25 consultation meetings:
- September 19, 2024 @ 9:30 AM - WebEx
- Virtual make-up date: Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 9:30 am.
- November 14, 2024 @ 9:30 AM - In Person
- January 23, 2025 @ 9:30 AM - WebEX
- May 8, 2025 @ 9:30 AM - In Person
- Planning meetings will take place between March – April, 2025.
In-person meetings will take place at the Ross Jeffries Parent Center - Historic Auditorium, located at 1200 Vermont Avenue, St. Cloud, FL 34769.
FDOE Equitable Services Information
Private School Complaint Procedure
Private school officials have the right to complain to the Florida Department of Education if they believe the LEA has not engaged in timely and meaningful consultation. For more information about filing a complaint, please visit the FLDOE site.
Family Empowerment
Parents choosing the private school option are responsible for the following:
- Selecting an FSA Scholarship-eligible private school.
- Withdrawing from the current public school
- Transportation to the chosen private school.
For more information, please visit the Family Empowerment website.
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