Laws and Checklist
1.Information for Persons Interested in Starting a New School
As a first step, we recommend that you inform the superintendent of schools in the district in which the school is to be located of your intention to establish a school.
2.When plans are firm, you or the administrator of the new school should meet with the local superintendent of schools and provide the following items:
* a certificate of occupancy, health inspection report or fire inspection report, depending on local requirements;
* a copy of the school calendar for the coming year;
* the enrollment at each grade level;
* the names and addresses of students who will be attending the school;
* a list of the courses and subjects which will be offered in the school;
* and a description of the testing program which will be administered by the school.
Each nonpublic school must provide a program of physical education similar to that of the public school of the district in which the child resides. Part 135 of Commissioner’s Regulations covers the area of health and physical education. This is another topic for discussion with your local superintendent of schools.
3.Once major decisions have been made and your plans are in the final stage, please complete the form below and return it to, NYS Education Department, Office of Information, Reporting and Technology, Room 863 EBA, Albany, NY 12234, who in turn will send you an application for a Basic Educational Data System (BEDS) Number. Once issued, your school will be placed on the State Education Department’s mailing list. This will enable us to send you information about issues and events affecting your school.
