Wayzata Public Schools Non-Public Special Education
Process for Community
The public school district where the nonpublic school is located is obligated to provide a free and appropriate education (FAPE) to nonpublic school students. Minnesota law extends the same procedural due process rights to Minnesota nonpublic school students as those given to public school students. Authority: Minn. Stat. §§ 125A.18 and 125A.03(a)(2) and (4). See also Special Sch. Dist. No. 1, Minneapolis Pub. Schs. v. R.M.M., 861 F.3d 769, 774 (8th Cir. 2017) (holding that “a plain reading of Minnesota state law shows that private school students have a right to a FAPE.”).
Current Non-Public Schools within the Wayzata Public Schools (WPS) School District:
- Fourth Baptist Christian School
- Providence Academy
- St. Barts School
- Redeemer Christian Academy
- Hand in Hand Christian Montessori
- West Lutheran High School
Referral Process for a Student with a Current Individualized Education Program (IEP)
If a student who receives special education services and attends a non-public school listed above, the non-public school or parent completes the Referral Form.
WPS staff will contact the parent and/or school to hold an IEP meeting with the parents and a representative from the non-public school.
Referral Process for a Student Not Currently on an IEP
If your child/student is attending a non-public school listed above and there are concerns with academic progress, suspect a disability that is impacting progress, or have medical or mental health diagnoses that may be impacting learning, the non-public school or parent completes the Referral Form.
WPS staff will contact the parent and/or school to discuss interventions currently in place to support the student. If interventions are not successful, a special education evaluation may be proposed. If parents agree with a proposed written special education evaluation plan, an evaluation will be completed within 30 school days.
Following the completion of the evaluation, a meeting will be held with parents, staff members from the non-public school, WPS staff, and sometimes the student to review the results. If a student qualifies for special education services, the team will develop an IEP for the student. The IEP will include goals and special education services to support the student.
Special Education Services:
- Direct services provided either virtually or in person in a WPS school
- Oakwood Elementary (K-5)
- West Middle School (6-8)
- Wayzata High School (9-12)
- Indirect services may be provided in the nonpublic school to help collaborate and set up learning environments for students
- Determining the frequency and location is done by the IEP team
If you have questions, please reach out to:
Elementary Schools:
Jeri Johnson, Special Services Supervisor
Allana Walsh, Special Services Supervisor
Middle Schools:
Amy Van Dunk, Special Services Supervisor
High School:
Sara Stack, Special Services Supervisor
