Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for answers to your questions? Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page provides answers to common questions about the Department, grants, student loans, and more. Explore questions below or select a topic from the menu at right.
Non Public Education
The U.S. Department of Education does not regulate or provide financial support for home schooling elementary and secondary students. Regulation of home schooling, including curriculum requirements, is a State and local responsibility.
Some federal education programs can serve home schooled students if they are regarded as private school students by their State. This is entirely dependent on each State's policies and definitions. These federal education programs would be the same programs that serve private school students as authorized by federal laws.
To read more about the participation of private schools in federal education programs, visit the Office of Non-Public Education.
The Office of Non-Public Education (ONPE) fosters maximum participation of non-public school students and teachers in federal education programs and initiatives. Since the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was passed in 1965, private school students and teachers have been eligible to participate in certain federal education programs. ONPE's activities reflect this mission and direction by:
Representing the U.S. Department of Education to the non-public school community.
Offering advice and guidance within the Department on all matters affecting non-public education.
Communicating with national, state and local education agencies and associations on non-public education topics.
Communicating the interests and concerns of the non-public school community to the Department.
Providing parents with information about education options for their children; and
Providing technical assistance, workshops and publications.
For more information see Frequently Asked Questions Related to Nonpublic Schools
The U.S. Department of Education does not approve, recognize, or accredit any schools or their programs. The extent of the Department's involvement in the accreditation process is to recognize various accrediting agencies for postsecondary (college) education only. Your State Department of Education can provide options for obtaining a high school diploma and assist in determining on-line high school programs that are approved by the State.
The Private School Survey produces data on private schools in the U.S. With increasing concern about alternatives in education, the interest and need for data on private education has also increased. NCES has made the collection of data on private elementary and secondary schools a priority.