Private School Approval Policy - Massachusetts

What is the standard by which local school committees must evaluate private schools?

• The quality of the school's program

• The religious affiliation of the school

• The thoroughness and efficiency of instruction

• The number of students attending the school

Why does a school committee approve private schools?

• To check if the school is good

• To support a specific school

• To make sure the school follows all rules

• To let kids in Massachusetts go to school without breaking the law

What should a school committee consider when approving a private school?

• Whether the school teaches about different religions

• How the school checks student's learning

• If the school follows all the rules and laws

• How long the school day and year are

Can a private school ask the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to reconsider if a school committee does not approve it?

• Yes, the Department can decide on private school approvals

• No, the Department cannot decide on private school approvals

• Yes, but only if the private school has a special certificate

• No, the private school can only ask the school committee to reconsider

Do private schools have to follow the same rules for school hours and days as set by the Education Board?

• Yes, private schools must follow the same rules as public schools

• No, private schools do not have to follow these rules

• Yes, but only for special education schools

• No, these rules do not apply to private schools

Do private schools have to follow the same rules as public schools about what they teach?

• Yes, private schools must follow the same rules as public schools

• No, private schools can decide what they want to teach

• Yes, but only for religious private schools

• No, private schools don't have to follow public school rules

Should a school committee notify the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education when approving or disapproving a private school?

• No, the Department does not need to be notified of private school approvals

• Yes, but only if the private school is accredited

• No, the school committee's decision is independent of the Department

• Yes, the Department requires notification of private school approvals and closures

Does a private school need to be checked regularly to make sure it's still good?

• No, once a private school is checked, it doesn't need to be checked again

• Yes, a private school needs to be checked every year

• No, only special schools for kids with special needs need to be checked regularly

• Yes, the people who run the school should make a plan to check it regularly

Do private schools have to tell the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education when they close?

• No, private schools do not have to tell the Department

• Yes, but only if the private school is accredited

• No, only special education schools have to tell

• Yes, the private school must give student records to the Department