Curriculum Standards
New Nonpublic Schools Seeking Initial State Approval
General Guidelines for State-Approved Nonpublic Schools
The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (SBESE) is authorized through R.S. 17:11 to adopt standards and guidelines used to determine the academic classification of all nonpublic schools applying for annual state approval.
The Louisiana Handbook for Nonpublic School Administrators outlines the requirements, recommendations, goals, and objectives for nonpublic schools. The following link will take you to the BESE webpage. Scroll down to the link for (Nonpublic) Bulletin 741-LA Handbook for Nonpublic School Administrators.
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New Nonpublic Schools - Steps for Seeking Initial State Approval
The approval process for nonpublic school state approval can take several months to complete. The links below outline the activities that must occur during specific steps of the approval process, the application, and other informational forms that must be submitted to the Department by the Principal/Designated Administrator.
The document below outlines activities that must occur during specific steps of the approval process when applying for state approval.
Steps for Seeking State Approval for Nonpublic Schools
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Use the NP-001 Application Form below to complete online and save prior to sending it to the Department by E-MAIL with electronic signatures.
NP-001 Application Form for New Nonpublic Schools ONLINE
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Use the NP-001 Application Form below to print and complete by hand, and obtain signatures prior to sending it to the Department by MAIL.
NP-001 Application Form for New Nonpublic Schools
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Next Steps - After SBESE Nonpublic School Approval
Once the Principal/Designated School Administrator has been notified of the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (SBESE) approval of their nonpublic school at one of their regularly scheduled Board meetings, the following forms should be completed and forwared to the Division of Planning, Analysis, and Information Resources Data Management Coordinator as listed on each form.
Complete the NP-003 New School Form below to apply for a SITE CODE (one per school).
NP-003 New School Form
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Complete the NP-004 Nonpublic School Information Form below to provide specific information about the nonpublic school.
NP-004 Nonpublic School Information Form
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These attachments below provide information and field descriptions required to complete the NP-004 Nonpublic School Information form.
NP-004a Nonpublic School Information Form ATTACHMENTS
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Brumfied vs Dodd Approval
In order to benefit from state and federal funds, each nonpublic school shall be in compliance with the requirements of Brumfield vs. Dodd, C.A. No. 71-1316 (E.D. LA.). Upon request, an application form is sent to each nonpublic school. The application form must be completed, notarized and returned along with a copy of the school's Articles of Incorporation (as on file with the Secretary of State's Office), and proof of the school's policy of non-discrimination as appeared in a public notice such as a newspaper advertisement (must be in large print, not in the classified or legal section). The application is reviewed by the U.S. Department of Justice. Nonpublic schools who have received an initial academic classification and found to be Brumfield vs. Dodd compliant are recommended to the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (SBESE) for approval at one of their regularly scheduled Board meetings.
In order to maintain eligibility, each year nonpublic schools must submit a Brumfield vs. Dodd Compliance Report. To apply for initial Brumfield vs. Dodd approval, and/or to receive information regarding the Brumfield vs. Dodd Compliance Report, contact the Division of Communications and Legislative Services at (225) 342-1171 or toll free at 1-877-453-2721.
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Ongoing Requirements for State-Approved Nonpublic Schools
Refer to the Nonpublic Schools webpage for additional nonpublic school information including the Nonpublic School Annual Report, Academic Classifications, Mandatory Documentation, and Program Audits and Site Visits.
Nonpublic Schools
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