Private Special Education Schools
The Exceptional Student Services (ESS) Emotional Disabilities Public Programs (ED-P) and Private Special Education Schools Team is responsible for approving and reviewing school districts with specialized programs to serve students diagnosed with an emotional disability. This team also works with prospective Private Special Education Schools and ensures approved Private Special Education Schools continue to meet program criteria.
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Emotional Disabilities Public Programs (ED-P)
Private Special Education Schools
FY26 Approved Private Special Education Schools List
FY26 Approved Private Special Education School Calendars
Private SPED School – Special Education Program Approvals Application Manual
Private Special Education Schools Guidance Manual
Criteria for Approved Private Special Education Schools
Private Special Education School Statement of Assurance
Guidance and Application Updates for Private Special Education Schools 4.29.2025
Information for Prospective Applicants
If you are interested in starting a new ED-P program at your PEA or becoming an Approved Private SPED School, please fill out this form, and one of our Special Education Program Specialists will reach out to you.
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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 least 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.
