Non-Public Participation

Federal grant services and partnerships with non-public schools

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as reauthorized by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, provides benefits to private school students, teachers, and other education personnel, including those in religiously-affiliated schools.

The School District of Lee County is the local education agency (LEA) in Lee County, and so has the responsibility for administering these benefits. In general, the School District will provide equitable services and benefits to eligible private school students, teachers, other educational personnel, and parents when such services and benefits are required in the legislation authorizing specific federal grant programs.

To the extent provided by law, the School District seeks to:

  • Provide equivalent expenditures and services to serve similar public and private school students;
  • Consider and address the specific needs of public and private school students on a comparable basis.

The School District provides ongoing opportunities for private school representatives to meet with School District staff to engage on timely, meaningful, and effective dialogue about program requirements and school needs.

For further information on how federal funds can provide benefits and services to private schools, contact Ms. Sylvia Davis at (239) 337-8358 or [email protected].