§ 17:11 — Approval of nonpublic schools by board

§11. Approval of nonpublic schools by board
A.(1) The board shall adopt standards and guidelines which shall be applied in
determining whether a nonpublic school applying for approval meets the requirements of a
sustained curriculum or specialized course of study of quality at least equal to that prescribed
for similar public schools.
(2) The board shall not adopt a standard or guideline that prohibits a nonpublic,
parochial school or school board from hiring a teacher solely because the accreditation of the
postsecondary education institution at which he completed his teacher education program is
not a regional accreditation. Such a school or school board may hire a teacher who
completed his teacher education program at a nationally accredited institution and who meets
all other criteria provided in the standards and guidelines.
(3) The board shall appoint an advisory committee of nonpublic school
representatives, who shall advise and counsel with the board relative to standards and
guidelines affecting these schools. After initial approval the board shall periodically
determine whether the nonpublic school is maintaining such quality and if not, shall
discontinue approval of the school.
B. The board shall approve any nonpublic elementary or secondary school which
makes application therefor on a form furnished by the board, if such school meets and
maintains a sustained curriculum or specialized course of study of quality at least equal to
that prescribed for similar public schools.
C. All certificates and diplomas issued by an approved nonpublic school shall carry
the same privileges as one issued by a state public school.

Legislative History

Acts 1975, No. 274, §1; Acts 2019, No. 437, §1; Acts 2022, No. 566, §1.