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Private Schools and the ESEA

Equitable Services for Private School Students and Teachers

ESEA requires districts to provide equitable services for eligible private school children, teachers and other educational personnel, and families. Equitable services are provided from applicable federal program funds in private schools that choose to participate in these services. Titles I and VIII of ESEA, as reauthorized by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) outline the requirements for providing equitable services under these programs:

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 – Language Instruction for English Learners and Immigrant Students
Title IV, Part A – Student Support and Academic Enrichment
Title IV, Part B – 21st Century Community Learning Centers

Consultation

Districts must consult with private school officials during the design and development of the district's plan for ESEA federal program funds. The consultation shall occur before a district makes any decision that affects the opportunities of eligible private school children, teachers and other educational personnel, and families. District and private school officials should meet with the goal of "reaching agreement" on how to provide equitable and effective services under the applicable programs. For more information on the requirements for the consultation process for private schools, see "ESSA Overview of Consultation and Benefits Available Private School Process". [Sections 1117(b)(1)(A-L) and 8501-8506 of ESSA]

Private School Ombudsman

A Private School Ombudsman is identified in each state to help ensure the equity of services for private school children, teachers and other educational personnel, and families. The private school ombudsman serves as the department's primary point of contact for addressing questions and concerns from private school officials and from districts regarding the provision of equitable services under Titles I and VIII of ESSA. The ombudsman will communicate with private school officials to inform them of the opportunities to receive benefits under the federal programs of the ESEA. The ombudsman will also provide notice to private school officials of the allocations that districts have determined are available for private schools choosing to participate in benefits under one or more of the ESEA programs.

Alaska Private School Ombudsman: Role and Responsibilities (docx)

Notice of Allocations and Proportionate Share for Private Schools

Proportionate shares of district allocations made available for participating private school students, teachers, and families are provided for each year. More information on participation of private schools and the calculations of the proportionate shares for equitable services is available in the public version of each district's ESEA Consolidated Application for the applicable school year. The approved applications are found in the online Grants Management System. To find a district, search for "organizations", then search for the applicable year, and the ESEA Consolidated application.

Federal Guidance on Equitable Services

Title I-A Equitable Services Non-Regulatory Guidance (May 2023)

Title VIII Equitable Services Non-Regulatory Guidance (July 2023)

ESSA Fiscal Changes and Equitable Services Non-Regulatory Guidance, November 2016 (pdf)

The following guidance documents are based on ESEA as it was authorized under NCLB. Some provisions have been updated by ESSA. Other provisions not changed by ESSA are still applicable.

Office of Non-Public Education

Important Dates

Equitable Services Timeline

Contact Us

Kelsey Smiley

  • Private School Ombudsman
  • (907) 465-8679
  • Alaska Department of Education & Early Development
  • P.O. Box 110500
  • Juneau, AK 99811-0500