Many parents come to me seeking tuition reimbursement from their school district so their special needs child can attend a private school. These parents often have tried for years to convince their school districts to help their child but received nothing in return.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides a three part test in such cases. First, Parents must establish that the school district’s proposed program and placement is not reasonably likely to allow their child to make meaningful educational progress. Second, they must prove the private school they selected will allow their child to make such progress. Importantly, a school district cannot avoid tuition reimbursement just because the private school Parent selected is not “approved” by the State of Pennsylvania. Third, the “equities,” including District misconduct and Parental participation in the IEP process, must favor tuition reimbursement. If Parents meet this test, then the District must reimburse their special needs child’s private school tuition, transportation, books, fees, etc. Since private schools for special needs children routinely cost $40,000 per year or more, this is a huge benefit for Parents.

Every case for tuition reimbursement is different. Please contact me for a free consultation so we may discuss the merits of your child’s claims.