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The Alliance for Approved Private Schools is an organization of Pennsylvania private schools, which provide a wide range of comprehensive special education programs and services to the Commonwealth's children who are diagnosed as having serious disabilities. These children, by nature of their severe and complex disabilities, cannot be provided appropriate services in a public school setting. Approved Private Schools (APS) are important resources to 501 school districts across the Commonwealth. APSs in Pennsylvania have a long history of utilization by school districts that are unable to provide an appropriate special education program for some of their students. The basis in statute for Approved Private Schools can be found in Sections 1 376 and 1376.1 of the Public School Code of Pennsylvania, as amended. Further definitions are found in Title 22 Pa. Code, Chapter 171. Each APS is approved to serve students who are challenged by one or more of the following disabilities:
As an Act of Legislation, APSs serve approximately 4000 of the Commonwealth students who require the most comprehensive specially designed instruction and related services. Alliance member schools are able to serve all 501 school districts and 67 counties in the Commonwealth by way of direct enrollment and/or the provision of technical assistance. The Alliance of Approved Private Schools (Non-charter) represents 27 member schools receiving special designation from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to serve approved students identified as having a wide range of severe disabilities. Member schools provide highly specialized, education and therapeutic programs to preschool, elementary and secondary aged children, and young adults from across Pennsylvania. Children are placed into Alliance member schools whenever appropriate educational programming cannot be obtained within the public school system. Alliance schools are an important part of the Commonwealth's continuum of special education services. Alliance members are proud of their long history of providing high quality services to a specific sector of children with special needs. In fulfilling our mission, we will draw upon the combined expertise of our members and long-standing relationships with other providers and will be guided by these values: Excellence Our work and relationships with others will be characterized by the highest professional and ethical standards. Leadership Our commitment will be reflected in our decisive actions on behalf of those we serve. Collaboration By involving stakeholders, we will build consensus within the community. Innovation Our impact on individuals with disabilities will be enhanced by promoting continual improvement of services. |
