Finding the Right Out-of-District Placement
Some students with disabilities need more specialized instruction and support than their local public school district can provide. For these students, an out-of-district special education placement may be necessary to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE).
Finding the right school can be challenging, particularly when families are unfamiliar with the available options.
How Does the Out-of-District Placement Process Work?
When a student's IEP Team determines that an out-of-district placement is necessary, the school district typically coordinates the placement search. This involves sending referral packets containing information about the student's educational needs to potential schools or programs.
Under Massachusetts special education regulations, 603 CMR 28.06, districts must consider the least restrictive environment appropriate for the student, give preference to DESE-approved programs, and seek placements as close to the student's home as possible.
Out-of-district placements may include private special education schools or public programs operated by educational collaboratives. Collaboratives are organizations formed by school districts to provide specialized educational programs and services. Some collaborative programs are located within public school buildings, while others operate in separate facilities.
How Can Parents Find Out-of-District Placement Options?
If the school district does not agree that an out-of-district placement is necessary, parents may need to research potential programs independently.
Several resources can help families identify possible placements:
Massachusetts DESE School and District Profiles: Search for special education schools and programs, with filters for location, age, disability, and other characteristics.
DESE Educational Collaborative Programs Directory: Find public special education programs operated by educational collaboratives throughout Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Association of Approved Special Education Schools (MAAPS): Search for private special education schools that serve students with a range of learning, developmental, behavioral, and emotional needs.
Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA): Find educational consultants who may be able to assist families with identifying appropriate schools.
Identifying a potential placement is only the first step. Families should also consider whether the program can meet their child's individual needs, whether it has availability, and whether it is willing to accept the student.
If you believe your child needs an out-of-district special education placement but your school district disagrees, contact Noble Education Law to discuss your options for advocating for an appropriate placement at public expense.
