U.S. Department of Education, through your local public school district
Equitable services for private schools (ESEA Title I-A, II-A, IV-A and IDEA)
Every public school district must spend part of its federal Title and special-education money on students and teachers at nonprofit private schools in its area: teacher training, tutoring, enrichment and technology. The district plans it with you, pays for it and runs it.
- Amount
- Services worth a share of the district's federal money, based on your enrollment and low-income count (no cash to the school)
- Can a for-profit school apply?
- No: for-profit schools excluded
- Deadline
- Rolling
- Who this fits
- Private school · MicroschoolNonprofit, accredited private schools. The district provides teacher training, tutoring, enrichment and technology; no cash goes to the school.
- New schools
- Not stated for new schools
- Where
- National: schools in any US state
- Last checked
- Oct 2, 2026on dese.ade.arkansas.gov
How to apply
- Step 1: Find which public school district your school's address is in
- Step 2: Ask that district's federal programs coordinator to include your school in consultation
- Step 3: Bring your enrollment count and a list of needs (teacher training, tutoring, technology)
- Step 4: If the district doesn't respond, contact ADE's Equitable Services Ombudsman, Alisha Ross: 501-683-1243, Alisha.Ross@ade.arkansas.gov
Funders change their requirements. Check the official page before you apply. Getting ready? See what funders usually ask for.
Who can apply
“To be eligible a private school must be a nonprofit incorporation registered with the Arkansas Secretary of State and meet the accreditation standards of the Arkansas State Board of Education, the Arkansas Nonpublic School Accrediting Association, or another approved accrediting association recognized by the Arkansas State Board of Education.”
That is Arkansas's rule, from ADE's 2026-27 Equitable Services FAQ. The district stays in control of the money and owns any equipment it places in your school; ADE says “Private schools CANNOT be reimbursed for costs.” ADE also says a school can receive equitable services and still be an EFA school. Title I-A help goes to students who are behind or at risk and live in a Title I attendance area. Special-education (IDEA) services follow federal rules for children enrolled in private, “including religious,” schools; the district decides which services it provides.
- Nonprofit corporation registered with the Arkansas Secretary of State
- Accredited by the State Board, ANSAA or another approved accreditor
- Take part in your district's consultation each spring
Timing
Every year. ADE tells districts to contact private schools in January and February, hold the first consultation in March and April for the next school year, and file the consultation form with ADE by June 30. Ask your district now so your school is on its list.