Therapeutic & Alternative Boarding Schools In Indiana

The State Board of Education has established an accreditation system that is available to nonpublic school. The standards are the same as those required of public schools. Adherence to these standards are a prerequisite to accreditation. Indiana Code §20-19-2-8 (5). A nonpublic school must also meet the state requirements for health and safety, curriculum and staff evaluation as well as a school improvement plan. Indiana Code §20-31-4-6. Registration is mandatory and all schools are required to register with the Indiana Department of Education. Indiana Code §20-33-2-21. Nonpublic schools are required to hire instructors that are properly licensed and certified under 511 IAC 10. 511 IAC 6.1-9-3.

Nonpublic schools that seek state accreditation must provide a curriculum that is comparable to state and national academic standards. Indiana Code §20-30-5. Non-accredited schools are not bound by this requirement. Indiana Code §20-33-2-12. All accredited schools must abide by the rules of health and safety as set out by the Indiana State Board of Education, the Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission, The State Board of Health and the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration. 511 IAC 6.1-1-4 and 511 IAC 6.1-2-1.

Reference: http://www2.ed.gov/admins/comm/choice/regprivschl/regprivschl.pdf

Indiana Regulatory Laws

Accreditation is optional for private schools in Illinois, but those that do apply for accreditation through a state approved accrediting agency may be recognized as by the state. Policy and
Guidelines for Registration and Recognition of Nonpublic Elementary and Secondary Schools, February 2004. Registration is optional for private schools, however, they may register through the State Board of Education. 105 ILCS 5/2-3.25o(e). Nonpublic schools may also apply for recognition from the State Board of Education after one year of being registered and after adhering to guidelines regarding the administration, organization, instructional programs, school facilities, food services and personnel. Policy and Guidelines for Registration and Recognition of Nonpublic Elementary and Secondary Schools, February 2004.

Teacher certification is required at the discretion of the individual school governance, however, the Illinois State Board of Education encourages all instructors to have at least a baccalaureate degree in the subject they are teaching. At the very least, a teacher should have a time line how how and when they plan to achieve that degree. 105 ILCS 5/24-1.1 Children at nonpublic schools should be taught under a curriculum that matches the branches of education taught to students in public schools. 105 ILCS 5/26-1. Recognized non-public schools must have the same graduation requirements as public schools in Illinois.

Children attending nonpublic schools are required to have a health exam including a tuberculosis test and proof of immunization. If the student is exempt, due to religious or medical grounds, that information needs to be provided. 105 ILCS 5/27-8.1; 410 ILCS 235/6. Nonpublic schools must conduct regular safety drills for fire, bus evacuation, severe weather/shelter as well as law enforcement drills for bomb threats or shooters.

Reference: http://www2.ed.gov/admins/comm/choice/regprivschl/regprivschl.pdf