Under Title I, local educational agencies (LEAs) are required to provide services for eligible private school students, as well as eligible public school students. In particular, §1120 the Title I services for private school students must be developed in consultation with officials of the private schools. The ESEA strengthened these requirements by, among other things, requiring meetings with private school officials and a written affirmation signed by private school officials that the required consultation has occurred.
To help ensure equitable services and other benefits for eligible private school children, teachers and other educational personnel, and families, an SEA must designate an ombudsman to monitor and enforce ESEA equitable services requirements under both Title I and Title VIII. (ESEA sections 1117(a)(3)(B) and 8501(a)(3)(B).)
The Title I program provides supplemental educational services so that all children have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education. Generally, to qualify for assistance under Title I, a student must reside within the attendance area of a participating public school located in a low-income area and be failing, or at risk of failing, to meet student academic achievement standards.
The Title I services for private school students must be developed in consultation with officials of the private schools. Consultation with officials from private schools is an essential requirement in the implementation by an LEA of an effective Title I program for eligible private school children, their teachers, and their families. The amount of Title I funds allocated to each participating public school attendance area is determined mainly on the basis of the total number of low-income students residing in each area. Once the participating public school attendance areas have been established, an LEA calculates allocation for each participating public school attendance area. Then, based on the total number of children from low-income families residing in each attendance area attending either public or private schools, the LEA calculates the total amount of funds for each area. From this amount, the LEA designates an amount of funds to provide equitable services to eligible private school participants. (From the US Department of Education, Title I Resource Tool Kit)
In Savannah-Chatham County, the following 8 private schools are provided services through the Title I department:
- Ash Tree Learning Center Academy
- Bethesda Academy
- Blessed Sacrament School
- Memorial Day
- Ramah Day School
- St. Frances Cabrini School
- St. John Academy
- Urban Christian Academy
