Meeting the educational needs of certain students may necessitate placing them outside their home district. Advocating for an appropriate school for these students can be challenging and requires a great deal of focus and attention to detail to support such a setting. Families almost always need updated neuropsychological testing, and a comprehensive list for the state of Massachusetts can be referenced here. It is advisable to consult with your insurance provider to ascertain coverage availability.

If the IEP team agrees on the placement, the district's out-of-district coordinator will assist in the search process. In Massachusetts, potential placements receive "packets," which include a summary of the child’s needs, typically the current IEP, assessments, and testing from the school district to a proposed placement. The team must prioritize state-approved special education schools within an hour of the student's residence, emphasizing the least restrictive option.

Placements or assessments may vary and include the following:
Extending Evaluations and/or 45-Day Assessment
Colbabarive School
Day School
Residential Schools
Residential Boarding School or Wilderness Exploration

When the district disagrees with the necessity of an out-of-district placement, families may have to explore potential placements independently. This search can be further narrowed down by geography, your child's age, gender, or disability. The following are databases to support your search. Ask Advocacy can support questions to school overview or focus area. Please review the following:

MAAPS (Chapter 766 Database)
DESE Approved Special Education Schools
Residential Placement
Residential Boarding School or Wilderness Exploration

Families may opt for a consultant to review programming. Ask Advocacy can support this need and may refer to a group of consultants at :

Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Inc. (COPAA)

Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)

When touring programs families should be prepared to ask questions.
This Out of District Questionnaire has an outline of questions caregivers can ask during tours or when admissions coordinators contact you. Should you have any inquiries regarding this process, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are available to provide you with the necessary guidance and information on the next steps.