Students Not Attending SPS
Private Schools, Homeschools, and Contracted Placement
Students not attending Seattle Public Schools (SPS) include homeschooled students, students voluntarily enrolled by their parents in private schools, and students in contracted placements.
Regardless of their daily school setting, all students designated to receive services must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Service Plan (SP) that accurately reflects their evaluation and areas of qualification. However, the delivery of services for students not attending SPS may be different.
Approved Private Schools (Washington State Board of Education)
Service Delivery for Private School and Homeschool
Students voluntarily attending approved private schools have two service delivery options: a service plan or part-time enrollment. Service delivery varies depending on the option selected. Students who are homeschooled or attending an unapproved private school may only access services through part-time enrollment.
Service Plan (SP)
A service plan is an alternative to an IEP. It is available to select parentally-placed private school students who are:
- enrolled in approved, non-profit private schools
- eligible for special education
- not enrolled in the district for school-based or IEP services
Part-time Enrollment
All private school and homeschooled students have the option of enrolling part-time in their resident district to receive special education services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). If a student attends a school within the Seattle School District but resides out of district, part-time enrollment for special education services is not an option. This was previously called dual enrollment.
Contracted Placements
Contracted Placements are part of Seattle Public Schools’ continuum of alternative placements. In these settings, all services will be provided in accordance with the student’s IEP, that institution’s policy and practice, and Washington State Law.
Evaluations and Reevaluations
The initial referral and evaluation process is the same for students, whether they attend Seattle Public Schools or not. Reevaluations are not automatically conducted if students are not enrolled in Seattle Public Schools. Reevaluations only occur for these students if their parent/guardian requests a reevaluation.