Equitable Participation in Title I for Private School Students

The Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA) (20 U.S.C. § 6301) requires districts to provide eligible children attending private elementary and secondary schools, as well as their teachers and families, with Title I services or other benefits—such as professional development, family engagement, or materials and supplies (on loan from the public schools)—that are equitable to those provided to eligible public school children and their teachers and families. To be eligible for Title I services, a private school child must reside in a public Title I school attendance area and be determined to be in need of additional academic support.

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) requires that a Local Education Agency (LEA) maintain all control of  federal funds, materials, equipment, and property. In accordance with the law, only an LEA may obligate federal funds. LEAs may make purchases and contract for services on behalf of the private school, but may not reimburse the private school for any purchases or contract of services made by the private school (ESEA § 8501(d)(1-2)).

For more ESEA information on private schools, visit the DPI web page for Equitable Services for Private School Students under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).