Parents wonder “do private schools have 504 plans?” Untangle the truth about the 504 plan and private schools. Discover what private schools are actually required to do, what “reasonable accommodations” really means, and what exactly you can request. We’ll answer the important question: do private schools have 504 plans?
“Can someone point me in the right direction? I want accommodations that actually help, and I’m not sure what to ask for in a private school.”
Do private schools have to provide the same accommodations?
Table of Contents
Public vs. Private Schools
Let’s start with public schools because it’s more clear-cut.
Public Schools: If your child is in a public school (or a public charter school), federal law requires the school to provide accommodations and services once your child is identified with a disability, like dyslexia. Under the IDEA law, if your child qualifies for an IEP (under the category of Specific Learning Disability), the public school must develop an IEP that includes any special education instruction along with the accommodations needed for a Free Appropriate Public Education.
Similarly, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requires public schools to provide accommodations if a student has a disability that impacts a major life activity (reading). Public schools also have what’s called “Child Find” which is an obligation to identify and evaluate students who might have disabilities. Theoretically, public districts must seek out kids who need help. But did you know that according to the federal law even those attending private schools might be covered under child find? This means in public school, you as a parent can request an evaluation at any time, and with your consent, the school must follow a process to assess your child. Then, if your child is found eligible, an IEP or 504 plan will be created, and the school is legally bound to implement the accommodations in that plan.
Public schools have more resources and special education staff to deliver these supports, and you have strong parental rights to ensure the plan is followed. Under IDEA, you can call meetings, and dispute issues. Basically, you can request any reasonable accommodation or service, and the law requires the school to consider it and implement what’s needed for your child’s learning.
Since a common query among parents is, do private schools have 504 plans? This is essential for understanding the support available for children with disabilities in these educational settings.
Now let's discuss private schools.
Private Schools: they operate a bit differently. These schools are not automatically required to follow IDEA in the same way as public schools, especially if they don’t receive federal funding. Be aware that many Catholic or other religious schools receive federal funds (for technology or school lunches), and those schools technically have 504 obligations. Enforcement can be tricky and you’ll probably need to hire a lawyer at some point. Now purely private schools that do not receive any federal funding do not have to offer an IEP. Furthermore, they don’t have a legal duty to proactively find or evaluate students with disabilities. There is no child find in private schools. That said, many private schools want to support their learners and will provide accommodations. This might be done through an informal plan rather than a formal 504 Plan. Because it’s informal these plans can vary greatly.
However, private schools have to follow the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Under ADA, private schools must make “reasonable accommodations” to avoid discriminating against students with disabilities. This is a huge gray area because what’s “reasonable” can be interpreted differently. Private schools only need to provide minor adjustments such as extended time on tests, letting a student use an audiobook, or preferential seating. They do not need to alter their program or provide modifications to the curricula. For example, a private school might agree to give extra time and reduce homework problems, but they might not have a specialist to deliver a daily reading intervention. Remember, private schools do not have to create a written 504 plan if they don’t receive federal funds.
It’s going to come down to the philosophy of the private school. I was recently talking with a mother whose child was in private school. Unfortunately, the private school wasn’t willing to make the changes that the child needed. The mother didn’t have any recourses because this was a religious school and they had their own way of doing things.
When considering your options, it’s vital to know do private schools have 504 plans, as this can influence your decision.
What are you supposed to do if you love your child’s private school?
You might be wondering do private schools have 504 plans to ensure your child’s needs are met adequately.
As a parent in a private school setting, you absolutely can request accommodations. Approach the administration and explain your child’s diagnosis and needs. Provide documentation such an evaluation report. While the private school isn’t legally bound to follow Section 504 plans in the way public schools are, they are bound by American Disabilities Act (ADA) to offer reasonable accommodations when a student’s need is obvious. Be reasonable and open to compromise.
Let me give an example to make this concrete. In a private school, you might not get every accommodation that you’d get in a public school, but your child can likely receive extended time, use of assistive technology, and flexibility with reading out loud. A private school might also allow your child to have alternate assessments on a case-by-case basis. This one is going to be more difficult to get, but if you don’t ask for it, you definitely won’t get it. Remember, if the private school receives any federal funding whatsoever, they HAVE TO comply with Section 504 fully and provide accommodations similar to a public school.
Now, let’s look at it from a different lens. Your child’s private school accepts your tuition, which might mean they also accept your child as they are – issues and all! A good private school will partner with you to help your child succeed, even if they don’t have a formal special ed program. If you encounter resistance, you might need to educate them on how simple most dyslexia accommodations are. By explaining that these accommodations cost very little, and are not burdensome you are more likely to meet with success. Acknowledge that you know that private schools are only required to make minor adjustments that don’t impose undue burden and then sell them on what your child needs. The bottom line is to be open to compromise.
Now, there’s one more thing to consider.
As a parent, understanding do private schools have 504 plans can significantly affect how you advocate for your child.
Public school support for private school students: if your child is in private school and struggling, you can request an evaluation from your public school district. The public district might evaluate and find your child eligible for an IEP, but they won’t implement an IEP in the private school. Instead, sometimes there’s an option for a “service plan” or limited services by which the public school provides something. For example letting your child attend a tutoring session at the public school a few times a week for reading. Because the rules on this vary, and these services are often quite limited, parents either have to push the private school harder, or consider moving to a public school.
It’s a tough decision that many families grapple with. Hence the mother that I mentioned earlier. She decided to move her child from private school to their public school.
If you’re considering one ask directly: do private schools have 504 plans? This could make a difference in your child’s education.
In Summary
Do private schools have 504 plans?
To sum everything up, public schools must provide accommodations as part of a 504 plan without any cost obligation to you. Private schools need to make reasonable accommodations under ADA and you may not get everything that you believe your child needs. In a public school you can advocate forcefully because the law is behind you. In a private school you still have the right to ask and expect reasonable support.
When navigating options, parents must understand: do private schools have 504 plans? Knowing this can help you make informed decisions.
