Oregon public school districts and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) programs may place children in, or refer children to, private schools or private preschools as a means of providing special education and related services. Private schools providing these services must meet specific state public education standards.
Changes due to COVID-19
The Application for Private School Approval has been modified to address the many challenges of safely educating Oregon’s children and youth with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is only one application to submit for both new and renewing applicants.
COVID-19 Requirements 2021-22
- Private Schools serving Kindergarten through age 21 or any private school operating out of a public school or ESD building or campus:
- Follow the policies and procedures, including the Safe Return plan, of the District in which the school is located.
- Private Preschools and Early Learning Settings serving any combination of birth through age 5 not in Kindergarten:
Applications
Private schools intending to become a provider of Special Education services must apply to the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), Office of Enhancing Student Opportunities (OESO) using the online form below. The OESO accepts applications beginning August 15 of each year. Approved applicants may contract with school districts and ECSE programs to provide special education in the school year it was approved until August 14.
For private schools looking to provide Alternative Education placements, please see the
Alternative Education page.