WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Education has released new guidance to state and local education agencies (LEAs) aimed at improving the way federally funded equitable services are delivered to eligible students enrolled in private schools. The recommendations, issued in a Dear Colleague Letter, focus on creating more efficient and effective processes to ensure private school students have access to the same academic supports available to their public school peers under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).
Under Title I-A of ESEA, low-achieving students who reside in public school attendance areas but attend private schools are entitled to federally funded services. These supports can include one-on-one tutoring, summer school programs, counseling services, and other interventions designed to improve academic achievement. Importantly, private schools themselves do not receive Title I-A funds; instead, LEAs are responsible for facilitating these services on behalf of eligible students and teachers.
“Federal taxpayer dollars should support the best education outcomes for students regardless of where they attend school,” said Hayley Sanon, Acting Assistant Secretary for the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. “The Trump Administration is committed to expanding education choice and ensuring parents can choose an education option that is best for their child. Improving how equitable services are provided means students in private school can have access to services and supports that best meet their unique learning needs.”
Expanding Educational Choice Through Federal Programs
Since its passage in 1965, the ESEA has allowed students and teachers in private schools to participate in federally sponsored education programs. Lawmakers intended these funds to benefit children rather than institutions, meaning eligible private school students are entitled to receive services funded by Title I-A in much the same way as their peers in public schools.
Because private school students contribute to the Title I-A funding that LEAs receive through federal allocations, the Department’s new guidance encourages LEAs to collaborate closely with private school officials to ensure that resources are targeted toward the students who need them most.
Clarifying Responsibilities Under Title I-A
Section 1117 of ESEA requires LEAs receiving Title I funds to design equitable services programs for eligible children in consultation with private school representatives. These programs must remain secular, neutral, and nonideological while improving academic outcomes.
For students residing in multiple LEAs but attending the same private school, state educational agencies (SEAs) are encouraged to facilitate coordination among districts to reduce administrative burdens. This approach is intended to create a streamlined process for delivering services to eligible students, families, and educators.
Part of a Broader Push for School Choice
This marks the fourth piece of guidance the Department has issued in 2025 under its broader effort to expand educational choice and improve flexibility in federal education programs. Previous directives included:
- Direct Student Services (March 31, 2025)
- Persistently Dangerous and Unsafe Schools (May 7, 2025)
- Title I School Improvement Provisions (June 26, 2025)
The new letter reiterates the Department’s goal of ensuring greater access to federally funded educational services, regardless of school type, while supporting state and local agencies in administering these programs more effectively.
By emphasizing collaboration between public and private education sectors, the Department aims to ensure that federal taxpayer dollars are used to maximize student success and deliver high-quality learning opportunities for all eligible children.
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