Bill > HB359

This bill establishes requirements for private elementary and secondary schools in Virginia that receive public funds for student tuition, aiming to ensure accountability and civil rights protections comparable to public schools. Key provisions include mandating that all students, including those whose tuition is paid with public funds (referred to as "public assistance students"), must take state-mandated Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments, with the schools reimbursing the state for testing costs. Participating private schools will also be required to obtain accountability ratings from the Board of Education, similar to public schools, and face consequences, such as ineligibility to enroll new public assistance students for five years, if they receive low ratings or fail to meet accreditation standards. Furthermore, these schools are prohibited from discriminating in admissions, enrollment, discipline, retention, or access to educational programs and services based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, special education status, language proficiency, or socioeconomic status. The bill also outlines standards for teachers and staff, curriculum alignment, financial transparency, student rights, health and safety, and enforcement mechanisms, while providing a grace period for existing schools to comply.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB359