Private School and Public Services

If my child gets into private school, do we have to pay the regular public school fees?

Many parents are surprised to learn that enrolling a child in private school does not eliminate their financial contribution to public education.

Public schools are primarily funded through local, state, and federal taxes. Whether your child attends a public, private, or charter school, or is homeschooled, families generally continue to contribute to public education through taxes.

However, there is an important point that many private school families don’t realize: children attending private schools may still be eligible for certain services through their local public school district.

Special Education and Related Services

If a child has a disability, developmental delay, or qualifies for special education services, federal and state laws may provide access to evaluations and certain support services, even if the child is enrolled in a private school.

Depending on your state and local district, services may include:

• Speech-language therapy
• Occupational therapy (OT)
• Physical therapy
• Psychological evaluations
• Educational assessments
• Specialized instruction
• Consultation services

The specific services available can vary significantly depending on where you live and your local school district’s policies.

Early Intervention Services

Many young children receive support before they ever enter kindergarten.

For example, children who demonstrate delays in speech, language development, motor skills, or other developmental areas may qualify for evaluations and intervention services through public programs.

These services can often be provided regardless of whether a child attends a private preschool, a daycare program, or stays at home.

Early identification and intervention can make a significant difference in a child’s long-term academic and social success.

What If My Child Needs More Specialized Support?

In some situations, a child may require educational services that cannot be adequately provided in their current setting.

Parents who believe their child has significant learning challenges, disabilities, or unique educational needs should work closely with their school district to understand available evaluations, supports, and placement options.

Laws governing special education and services for private school students vary by state and district, so it is important to learn about the resources available in your local community.

Know Your Rights and Available Resources

Many families assume that once they choose a private school, they are completely on their own when it comes to educational support services. That is not always the case.

If you have concerns about your child’s:

• Speech or language development
• Fine motor skills
• Learning differences
• Attention challenges
• Academic progress
• Social-emotional development

It may be worth contacting your local school district to ask about evaluation and support options.

The Bottom Line

While private school families generally continue contributing to public education through taxes, they may also have access to certain public resources and services when their children need additional support.

If you suspect your child could benefit from evaluations or specialized services, don’t assume those resources are unavailable simply because your child attends a private school. Learning about the programs offered in your area can help ensure your child receives the support they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

I talk a lot about how to access these services in my book, Testing For Kindergarten.  Even when my son was in private nursery school, we received free services from the city for speech and OT support. When there was no public school program appropriate to help my daughter with her non-verbal learning disability, we were able to get the city to help us pay for a special private school that she attended for kids with her type of learning issues.