Private Special Education Schools and Emotional Disabilities–Public (ED-P) Programs

The Arizona Department of Education (ADE)/Exceptional Student Services (ESS) approves Private Special Education Schools that provide specially designed instruction to students placed by public education agencies, ensuring they meet established state criteria. ESS also oversees Emotional Disabilities–Public (ED-P) Programs, which deliver intensive, specialized services for students whose needs cannot be met in traditional special education settings. Through the ESS Operations team, the Education Program Specialists review and support both private providers and public district programs to ensure compliance and high-quality services. On this webpage you will find program requirements for both public and private schools, as well as approved and prospective providers.

Subscribe to receive our monthly newsletter and updates

Public Education Agency-Placed vs. Parent-Placed Students in Private Special Education Schools

Public Education Agency-placed (PEA): A public district or charter school determines that one of its students is to be placed outside its PEA into a private placement after considering other, less restrictive options. Students placed in such programs generally present with significant emotional, behavioral, and/or educational needs.  For PEAs to generate funding for PEA-placed students, the receiving private special education school must be approved by the Department of Education's Exceptional Student Services Unit. Approved special education schools are regulated and monitored by the Department of Education as it relates to services provided to publicly funded students.

Parent-Placed: A parent places their child in a private special education school and independently covers tuition. This also includes parents who utilize Empowerment Scholarship Accounts to pay for their child’s private school tuition. The Department of Education does not have jurisdiction over these programs.