Some students’ educational needs can only be met in out-of-district placements. Finding the right school for these children can be difficult. If the IEP team supports the placement, the district’s out-of-district coordinator will help facilitate the search. In Massachusetts, the school district sends “referral packets” to potential placements. The team must first consider the least restrictive, state-approved special education schools that are under an hour from the student’s home.
If the district does not agree that a student needs an out-of-district placement, then families may need to learn more about potential placements on their own. One good place to start is the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website, where you can search by organization type (public school, private school, approved special education school, approved special education program, etc.). You can further refine this search based on geography and you child's age, gender, or disability. Another option is to search the the Massachusetts Association of 766 Approved Private Schools (MAAPS) directory. Some parents decide to partner with a placement consultant. You can find a directory of consultants here.
If you need help advocating for a private school (out-of-district) placement at public-expense, contact the attorneys at Wong & Boscarine.