The School Committee recognizes that many worthwhile contributions are made to the community by parochial and other private schools.  

Any person seeking to establish a private school within the Marlborough community must submit an application to the Chair of the School Committee.  Any such application shall include a detailed plan, along with any supporting documentation, with regard to the following criteria:

1.    Population to be Served

A.   Admissions criteria; documentation of school’s enrollment

2.    Physical Plant/Safety

A.   The school shows evidence of current:

i)             Certificate of Occupancy 

ii)            Fire inspection 

iii)           Safety inspection 

iv)           Elevator inspection, if applicable 

v)            Compliance with lead paint poisoning prevention (for children under 6 years old) 

vi)           Compliance with other applicable federal and state health and safety standards (e.g., PCB, asbestos inspections, handicap accessibility) 

vii)          Copies of valid safety and health inspection certificates

B.   The site, plant, and equipment adequately support the program and are operated to ensure the safety and health of the students.

3.    Curriculum

A.   The curriculum offered is “equivalent” to that offered in the local school system generally and, specifically, in terms of the following instructional areas:

i)             mathematics 

ii)            science and technology 

iii)           history and social science 

iv)           English 

v)            foreign languages

vi)           the arts 

vii)          physical education 

4.    Educational Materials

A.   Textbooks and individual instructional materials, including computers and other technology, are adequate.

5.    School Staff

A.   The instruction provided is “thorough and efficient” based on:

i)             teacher qualifications 

ii)            adequate student/teacher ratio 

iii)           regular evaluation of staff 

iv)           the school principal reviews criminal offender record information (CORI) of current and prospective employees and volunteers, as required by law 

6.    Administration

A.   The school has a clearly defined organization that facilitates its objectives.

7.    Records

A.   The school maintains an adequate system of student records (e.g., attendance, health, discipline, progress reports).

B.   The student records are kept in a secure and organized manner that is consistent with federal and state student record laws to the extent applicable.

C.   The school maintains and timely provides transcripts in response to requests of students and former students in accordance with G.L. c. 71, § 34A.

D.   The school is prepared efficiently to transfer transcripts of all students and former students to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and/or other schools should it cease operation, in accordance with G.L. c. 71, § 34G.

8.    Student Services

A.   The school provides adequate pupil personnel services for all students (e.g., health care procedures, guidance and counseling programs, discipline policy).

9.    Financial Support

A.   The school provides evidence of financial solvency and resources to sustain the educational program.

B.   The school presents documentation of its legal status. These may include copies of the articles of incorporation and the certification of tax-exempt status.

10. Student Learning Time

A.   The school provides adequate student learning time (length of school year and school day) and hours of instruction in each subject.

11. Student Performance Assessment

A.   The school periodically evaluates students’ skills, competencies, and knowledge and documents their progress.

Upon submission of an application, the School Committee will endeavor to review any application materials and/or take a vote on whether to approve the application at its next regularly scheduled meeting or in a timely manner thereafter.  A review of any application to establish a private school may include, at the School Committee’s sole discretion, without limitation, a review of the applicant’s detailed plan with regard to the above-listed criteria.  The School Committee or its designated representative may conduct one or more site visits as part of its review of any application for approval or re-approval or to ensure compliance with this policy.

In accordance with state law, the School Committee will approve a private school within the Marlborough community when it is satisfied that the instructional program of the school equals that of the town’s public schools in thoroughness, efficiency, and progress made.  Approval of any private school is subject to the sole discretion of the School Committee, and is conditional upon the private school’s approval by and maintenance of good standing with any other public agency with jurisdiction over of the private school, including but not limited to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. 

The School Committee’s approval of any private school within the Marlborough community shall remain valid until substantial changes are made in the private school’s program, at which point the private school must seek re-approval from the School Committee.  If the School Committee determines that any private school previously approved by the School Committee has deviated from the criteria upon which its approval was based or has otherwise failed to comply with the requirements of this policy or applicable law, the School Committee, at its sole discretion, may decide not to reapprove or may revoke the approval of such private school.

Upon approval of any private school within the Marlborough community, the School Committee will provide timely notice of such approval to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in the manner specified by the Department.  The School Committee will further provide timely notice to the Department if it has decided not to re-approve, or has revoked approval of, a private school, or if the school has closed.

The School Committee’s responsibility under this policy is limited to acting reasonably and in good faith in carrying out its approval function.  The School Committee shall not be liable for any acts or omissions of a private school and/or its students.

LEGAL REFS.:   M.G.L. 69:1D; 71:1 through 71:3; 71:71D; 71B:4; 71B:10; 76:1; 603 CMR 18.00 et seq.; 603 CMR 28.00 et seq.       

Approved: 6/23/20

Approved: 6/11/24