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Massachusetts Chapter 766 (Mass general law Ch 71B)

If a district is unable to meet the educational needs of a student in their district, then they must pay for a child to attend a school that can. This guarantees the child's right to FAPE (free and appropriate public education).

Chapter 766 is the Massachusetts law that guarantees the rights of all young people with special needs (age 3-22) to an educational program best suited to their needs. Team evaluations and Annual Reviews are conducted to develop an ongoing individual education plan that ensures an appropriate education.

If an out-of-district (OOD) placement is agreed to for a child between the parent and school district, then why does the school district want the parent to choose among a Chapter 766 school? A district receives partial reimbursement for Chapter 766 private schools. See below for further explanation.

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