Nonpublic Equitable Services

Ohio has two types of nonpublic (private) schools. One type is a Chartered Nonpublic School and the other is a Non-Chartered, Non-Tax Supported School.  The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) charters schools on behalf of the State Board of Education; whereas other states may accredit their schools.  Although chartered schools must report and submit many documents to the agency, please note that DEW does not maintain student records or transcripts for any students in Ohio.  Such documents are retained locally at either the school or the local school district where the school was located.

Chartered nonpublic schools are private schools that have provided evidence of adherence to the Operating Standards for Ohio Schools and are therefore officially chartered by the State Board of Education.  These schools can choose to offer a religious-based curriculum.  Credits and diplomas from such schools must be recognized by other Ohio chartered schools (both public and nonpublic).

Non-chartered non-tax supported schools (NCNT) are those that, because of truly held religious beliefs, choose to not be chartered by the State Board of Education.  Such schools are required to file a report with the Ohio Department of Education annually. A list of NCNT schools are available to review on our website at:  NCNT Information. The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce does not have legal authority to regulate the curriculum taught in non-chartered schools. 

Ombudsman

To help ensure equitable services and other benefits for eligible private school children, teachers and other educational personnel, and families, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce has designated an ombudsman to monitor and enforce equitable services requirements under both Title I and Title VIII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA sections 1117(a)(3)(B) and 8501(a)(3)(B)). 
  
A key requirement for successful implementation of equitable services is the consultation between local educational agencies (LEAs)/public school districts and appropriate private/nonpublic school officials. ESEA Section 1117(b)(1) and ESEA Section 8501(c)(1) specify that the goal of consultation is agreement between the public district and appropriate nonpublic school officials on how to provide equitable and effective programs for eligible private school children.  The Office of Federal Programs has developed a document to provide guidance for LEAs and nonpublic schools in implementing equitable service requirements, consultation and resolving disagreements. 

CHANTELLE CARTER, OMBUDSMAN 

(614) 466-5203 
Chantelle.Carter@education.ohio.gov 

RESOURCES

• USDE Office of Non-Public Education
• Federal Education Laws and Programs Affecting Nonpublic Education Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) as authorized by Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA)
• Suggested Steps for Successful Implementation of Ohio’s ESEA Nonpublic Equitable Services
• Title I Services to Eligible Private School Children Non-Regulatory Guidance (2003)
• Title IX, Part E Uniform Provisions Subpart-I Private Schools Equitable Services for Eligible Private School Students, Teachers, and Other Educational Personnel Non-Regulatory Guidance (2009)

Last Modified: 9/30/2024 10:51:26 AM