frequently asked questions about nonpublic schools

http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oii/nonpublic/faq.html Purpose of Guidance The Office of Innovation and Improvement's, Office of Non-Public Education, is issuing this guidance to provide states and local education agencies (LEAs), private school officials and the private school community with information to assist them in understanding the scope of federal education services and benefits available to private school students, teachers and, in some programs, parents under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB), and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This guidance also provides responses to frequently asked questions concerning private schools and federal education programs. This guidance represents the Department's current thinking on these topics. It does not create or confer any rights for or on any person. This guidance does not impose any requirements beyond those set forth under applicable laws and regulations. If you are interested in commenting on this guidance, please e-mail us your comments to: onpe@ed.gov or write to us at the following address: Office of Innovation and Improvement Office of Non-Public Education U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Ave. S.W. Washington, DC 20202-5940 ONPE Mission and Activities ONPE fosters maximum participation of nonpublic school students and teachers in federal education programs and initiatives. Since the initial passage of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) in 1965, private school students and teachers have been eligible to participate in certain federal education programs. ONPE's activities reflect this mission and direction by: Representing the U.S. Department of Education to the nonpublic school community; Offering advice and guidance within the Department on all matters affecting nonpublic education; Communicating with national, state and local education agencies and associations on nonpublic education topics; Communicating the interests and concerns of the nonpublic school community to the Department; Providing parents with information regarding education options for their children; and Providing technical assistance, workshops and publications.