Non-Public | Private Schools

NYSED Resources

Contact the Office of Religious and Independent School Support (ORISS) for assistance with questions related to Non-Public | Private Schools.

Office of Religious and Independent School Support (ORISS)
ORISS is the NYSED office that has the primary responsibility of assisting New York State’s religious and independent schools to support their students. ORISS provides technical assistance in the areas of school start-up, operations, high school registration, professional development, substantial equivalency, and funding opportunities. It also provides guidance to families who voluntarily choose to homeschool. 

School Operations Resources for Health Services-
This section provides information and resources on health services and the applicable laws and regulations. Education Law 912 requires school districts in NYS to provide resident students who attend nonpublic schools with the same health and welfare services available to students who attend the public schools of the district. It also contains a valuable FAQ on the provision of health services for non-public school students. 

Health and Welfare Services
When students attending a nonpublic school live in another public school district, the two public school districts must enter into a written contract governing the services to be provided and the reimbursement for such services. This link provides sample contracts and board of education resolutions.  

Handbooks and Manuals

• Handbook on Services to Pupils Attending Nonpublic Schools 
  Provides information on services to pupils attending non-public schools which includes information on special education, transportation, and more.
• Manual for New Administrators of Nonpublic Schools
  General guidelines for administrators, new schools, state requirements and programs, and federal programs.
• Summer School Handbook
  Updated yearly to provide schools with the necessary information pertaining to the requirements of summer school programs. Includes a section on Health and Safety including, health services, immunizations, medications, AEDs, and more.

Other Resouces

National Association of School Nurses Private, Independent, and Parochial School Nurse, (PIPSN) School Nurses Special Interest Group
Promotes communication and exchange of ideas among registered nurses who work in private, independent, and parochial schools.  

See Also:

• Guidelines & Memos - Concussion
• Guidelines & Memos - Menstrual Products
• Menstrual Health | Products Resource Page

Page Updated 8/21/26