1. Nonpublic School Approval Process

2. Objectives
Understand the Nonpublic School Approval Process, including:
Purpose
Changes from last year
Applicant categories
Required documents
Submitting documents online
Completing the Nonpublic School Annual Report(NPS) through the LEADS portal
Timeline
Available resources

3. Purpose
Confirm that schools meet academic quality and student health, safety, and welfare requirements
Required for state and federal funding
Additional accountability measures apply for eligible nonpublic schools that participate in the Louisiana Scholarship Program.

4. Applicant Categories
Accredited approved: Schools with independent accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), AdvancED, or from an agency recognized by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Non-accredited approved: Schools with accreditation from an independent group not listed above, or schoools without accreditation

5. Brumfield v. Dodd Initial Application
Required Documents
Accredited Approved
Accreditation documents
School inspection report from state and/or local fire marshal
School inspection report from the Department of Health and Hospitals
Proof of principal certification (PDF from or copy of principal’s masters degree)
Non-accredited approved
New Applicant Questionnaire
Program of Study
Fire & Health/Safety filings listed above
Brumfield v. Dodd Initial Application +

6. Fire & Health / Safety Filing Examples

7. Fire & Health / Safety Filings
Must be from the state or local fire marshal
documents from independent companies will not be accepted
Inspection date must be within one calendar year of submission

8. Program of Study
Nonpublic Bulletin 741, Chapter 23 High School Program of Studies, section §2301
List courses offered (core curriculum & electives)
Required for all new schools and returning schools with significant changes.

9. Questionnaire Four Key Areas: Purpose and Direction Leadership
Instructional Practices and Technology
Academic Standards
Non-accredited approved only:
Returning applicants complete only sections in which responses have changed since last year.
New applicants must complete all sections.

10. Nonpublic School Annual Data Submission
Previously called “Nonpublic Annual School Report”
Required for all currently-approved schools
Completed in the LEADS portal
Used to determine funding allocations, complete the Annual Financial & Statistical Report, & publish the Louisiana School Directory
Tips:
To revise school information (grade levels, contact, etc.), complete the Sponsor Site Change Form.
Turn off pop-up blockers

11. Timeline August – September October 15 – November 30 Early December
Deadline for schools to complete:
Brumfield v. Dodd forms
Nonpublic School Approval application materials
Nonpublic Annual data submission – LEADS portal
LDE review of documentation and potential site visits
LDE presents NPS approval recommendations to BESE

12. Available Resources Nonpublic School Library
NPS Library is available here
NPS Approval Guidelines are available here
NPS Annual Data Submission User Guide is available here
Nonpublic School Handbook
Review Bulletin 741 (nonpublic) here

13. Contact: nonpublicschools@la.gov
Questions?
Contact: