By Nan Cooper / Staff

In 2007, the State Legislature passed the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Act that provides students with disabilities the opportunity to attend a participating private school. Eligible students must have been enrolled in a Georgia public school during the preceding school year and have an active IEP (Individualized Education Program). The scholarship is administered by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) and more information about the scholarship and how to access it is located on the GaDOE’s web site, www.doe.k12.ga.us

The Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Act also offers parents opportunities for public school choice.  A parent of a special needs student may apply to transfer the student to another public school or system where applicable.

June 4, 2010, is the deadline to apply for a transfer to another school within the Fulton County School System for the 2010-11 school year. Applications must be returned to the system’s Services for Exceptional Students Department by that date. Notification of any approvals will be made prior to the beginning of the 2010-11 school year. Forms are available at www.fultonschools.org.