A Public School Academy (PSA) is a state‐supported public school operating under a charter contract issued by a public authorizing body. PSAs are also commonly referred to as charter schools. A charter school is required to adhere to Michigan statutes and rules for special education, as well as the federal requirement. A charter school is not a private school.
Charter schools are prohibited by law from discriminating in admissions and must accept every student who applies (or hold a lottery if there are more applicants than the school can accommodate). Read more: Charter School Q&A from Michigan Department of Education (the section on special education begins on page 15)
Parents need to ask important questions when considering enrolling in a charter school. You can find the answer to many questions about PSA’s here:
- Frequently Asked Questions about the Rights of Students with Disabilities in Public Charter Schools under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (OSERS)
- Frequently Asked Questions about the Rights of Students with Disabilities in Public Charter Schools under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (OCR)
- Know Your Rights in Charter Schools (CPIR)
- Additional Federal Attention Needed to Help Protect Access for Students with Disabilities (GAO Report, June 2012)
More information is available on:
