Equitable Services for 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.

    For a full list of non-profit private schools currently receiving Title I funds, please Click Here.

    Our primary mode of communication is via email, as it enables us to efficiently share updates and important information with schools. We kindly ask that you regularly check your inbox to stay informed and ensure timely communication. While we strive to maintain consistency, please be aware that consultation meetings and deadlines may occasionally be subject to change.

    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. 

    • 2024-25 consultation meetings:  
      • September 19, 2024 @ 9:30 AM - WebEx
        • Virtual make-up date: Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 9:30am. 
      • November 14, 2024 @ 9:30 AM - In Person (Required for new schools)
        • Virtual make-up date:Thursday, December 5, 2024 @ 9:30 Am - WebEx
      • January 23, 2025 @ 9:30 AM - WebEx
      • May 8, 2025 @ 9:30 AM - In Person
    • Planning meetings will take place between March 24, 2025 - April 4, 2025.

    Recordings of the WebEX meeting may be made available upon request. 

    In-person meetings will take place at the Ross Jeffries Parent Center - Historic Auditorium, located at 1200 Vermont Avenue, St. Cloud, FL 34769.

    Private School Timeline

    November

    • Consultation meeting in person on Thursday, November 14, 2024 -Required for new schools participating in the 2025-26 school year
    • Distribution of Forms for completion:
      • Student Roster (Excel Form)
      • PD Assessment (SurveyMonkey)
      • Stakeholder Survey (SurveyMonkey)
      • Title I, II, IV Amendment Request Form (Excel Form)
      • Parental Consent Forms (PDF)

    December

    • Deadline: Friday, December 13, 2024, by 5:00pm:
      • Student Roster
        • If not submitted timely and accurately, you may not be able to participate in the 2025-26 SY
      • Amendment Request Form
        • If not submitted, we'll assume your school does not need to amend its grant activities and will fully expend its funds as originally planned.

    January

    • Consultation meeting via WebEx held on Thursday, January 23, 2025 -Required for new schools participating in the 2025-26 school year
    • Deadlines: Friday, January 10, 2025, by 5:00pm
      • Professional Development (PD) Needs Assessment
      • Stakeholder Surveys
        • Per federal guidelines, the district and private schools are required to get stakeholder input and use their feedback to write the grant plans.

    March

    • Grant planning between March 24, 2025 - April 4, 2025
    • Deadline: Tuesday, April 8, 2025, by 5:00pm
      • Final plans are due the day before Spring Break.

    April

    • Vendor Selection Survey (SurveyMonkey)
      • Deadline: Friday, April 18, 2025, by 5:00pm

    May

    • Final Consultation meeting of 2024-25 SY in person on Thursday, May 8, 2025 - Required for new schools participating in the 2025-26 school year
    • Deadlines: Thursday, May 8, 2025, by 5:00pm
      • Service Delivery Plans
        • Schools will finalize the Service Delivery Plan for intervention services for the 2024-25 SY
      • Program Evaluation
        • Schools will submit program evaluations for Title I, II, and IV for the 2024-25 SY

    June

    • Grant planning as needed
    • Grants close June 30, 2025
    • Summer inventory begins
    • Deadlines: Friday, June 27, 2025, by 5:00pm
      • Quotes due for Title I, II, and IV
      • SCG Budget Period Reporting Due

     

    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 FLDOE.org https://www.fldoe.org/about-us/office-of-the-inspector-general/file-a-complaint.stml 

    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