Private Non-Profit Schools

Private Non-Profit (PNP) Schools and Equitable Services:

Local Education Agency’s (LEAs) or school districts who receive federal funds are required to provide equitable services for eligible PNP school children, teachers, and other educational personnel.  The term “equitable services” refers to the process of providing students, teachers, staff, and families at eligible PNPs fair access to federally funded education programs and services, as appropriate. Services provided by the LEA for private school participants are designed to meet their educational needs and supplement the educational services provided by the private school.  Educational services or other benefits, including materials and equipment, provided under this section, shall be secular, neutral, and non-ideological.  The process depends on a “timely and meaningful consultation” between ISD officials and those of eligible PNPs.*

A private school may participate if it meets the following specifications:

• The private school holds not-for-profit status. A home school is considered a private school if it has official nonprofit status (i.e., have a tax exempt identification number)
• The private school submits appropriate documents to determine eligibility, as requested
• The private school and/or its students (depending upon the program of interest) are located within the geographic jurisdiction of a local educational agency (LEA) that is eligible and receives funding. If the LEA does not receive funds for a specific program, it is not possible for the PNP to receive funds for that program

Under 34 CFR 77.1, the term “nonprofit” as applied to an agency, organization, or institution means it is owned and operated by one or more corporations or associations whose net earnings do not benefit, and cannot lawfully benefit, any private shareholder or entity.  If a church that operates a school meets the definition of nonprofit, the school does not need separate nonprofit status. (USDE Office of General Counsel).

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

ESSA provides the statutory authorization for various education grant programs that states are required to make available with federal grant dollars.  Among other requirements, ESSA mandates that students and teachers at eligible Private Non-Profit (PNP) schools receive equitable services under the following Title programs:

• Title I, Part A: Improving Basic Programs for Educationally Disadvantaged Students
• Title I, Part C: Education of Migratory Children

            FBISD will not receive migrant funds for the 2021-2022 school year

• Title II, Part A: Supporting Effective Instruction
• Title III, Part A: English Learners (EL) and Immigrants (IMM)
• Title IV, Part A: Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants
• Title IV, Part B: 21st Century Community Learning Centers

          FBISD will not receive Title IV, B funds for the 2021-2022 school year

*Detailed information regarding PNP participation will be shared at our annual meeting held in April/May.  The seminar date will be posted on this site by March 1st.  If you have questions, please contact Tam Obey (tammu.obey@fortbendisd.com).

State & Federal Programs 138 Avenue F Sugar Land, TX 77498  Phone: (281) 634-1354