How Islamic Schools Can Access Federal Education Services
ESEA Explained – Title I, Title II, Title III & Title IV Explained for Private Islamic Schools
On July 10, 2025, ISLA hosted an informative webinar titled Federal Education Services, Resources & Funding for Non-Public Schools, designed to help Islamic school leaders better understand the complex—but crucial—process of accessing federally funded educational services. The session featured expert insights from T.J. Chipres, Federal Programs Manager at Archangel Education, and Dr. Maureen Dowling, Director of the Office of Non-Public Education (ONPE) at the U.S. Department of Education.
Many Islamic schools operate on tight budgets and may be understaffed, making it especially challenging to navigate federal education programs. Accessing available services can feel daunting or out of reach, but this webinar helped demystify the process, clarify legal rights, and provide actionable steps to ensure schools can benefit from the support available to them.
Eligibility and Allowable Services
Only non-profit, non-public schools qualify to receive federal equitable services through their Local Education Agency (LEA). It’s important to note that federal funds do not cover goods or services that are part of a school’s normal operations, such as:
- Staff salaries and costs
- Basic classroom furniture like desks and chairs
- General classrooms or testing requirements
However, exceptions exist for specific, documented needs that align with the criteria of specific ESEA Title fund categories—for example:
- Special desks or equipment to accommodate a student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a Student Assistance Plan (SAP)
- Materials related to a STEM project or other specialized programs that fall within the equitable funding guidelines
This ensures funds are used for allowable, necessary, and reasonable purposes that supplement, not supplant, the school’s own resources.
The Role of ONPE & Federal Services
Dr. Maureen Dowling explained the role of ONPE, which serves as a liaison between the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) and the non-public school community. A key point she emphasized:
Non-public schools do not receive federal funds directly – Local Education Agencies (LEAs) do.
LEAs are then responsible for delivering equitable services to eligible students and educators in non-public schools under programs supported by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
What Services Are Available?
Services provided through ESEA and IDEA include:
- Title I: Academic support for students from low-income families
- Title II: Professional development for teachers
- Title III: Language instruction for English learners
- Title IV-A: Programs that support student enrichment, well-being, and technology
- IDEA: Special education services for students with disabilities
Despite the benefits, participation rates remain low among non-public schools, often due to misunderstandings about eligibility, bureaucratic hurdles, or concerns of interference from the federal or state government.
How to Access Federal Services & Overcome Hurdles
Dr. Dowling outlined the process non-public schools should follow to access services and how to address any potential challenges.
Connect with Your LEA
Begin with a timely and meaningful consultation to discuss your needs, based on student data and identified priorities.
If for some reason, challenges arise, try to work it out with your LEA. If things are not resolved, then contact your ESEA Ombudsman
Every state has an Ombudsman designated to monitor compliance and support equitable access for non-public schools
Still have questions or unresolved challenges? Contact ONPE.
ONPE is available to provide further guidance and support.
- Email: onpe@ed.gov
- Website: https://www.ed.gov/about/ed-offices/ods/onpe
Join the ONPE Listserv to receive timely updates and communications from the ONPE that relate to non-public schools: Join the ONPE Listserv
Dr. Dowling also recommended cultivating ongoing relationships with LEA staff, documenting needs annually, and having a designated team member manage the consultation process.
Meaningful Consultations & Timeline: Key to Accessing Services
A critical part of accessing federal funds is the Meaningful Consultation process. LEAs must engage non-public schools in timely and meaningful consultations before funds are allocated. This ensures schools can express their needs and priorities based on data such as student assessments, staff surveys, and parent feedback.
Key Timeline
Image provided by T.J. Chipres, Archangel
March to May: Schools should begin meaningful consultations with their LEA. This is the time to assess needs, survey stakeholders, analyze student data, and prepare a prioritized list of equitable services or goods.
- June to September: LEAs receive federal funds and begin purchasing approved goods and services or coordinating program implementation for participating non-public schools.
- By Mid-May (Following Year): Schools must submit all required documentation and information to their LEA. This includes confirmation of services received, feedback on implementation, and any supporting paperwork. LEAs are responsible for submitting final reporting to the state or federal level, and they rely on timely school input to do so.
Schools are encouraged to stay organized by keeping yearly documentation, conducting surveys, and designating a staff member to manage this ongoing process. Building a collaborative relationship with LEA staff throughout the year helps smooth access to services.
Practical Guidance from Archangel Education
T.J. provided actionable tips to help schools prepare for consultations and funding requests. Her suggestions included:
- Conducting yearly surveys of staff and parents
- Maintaining a running list of desired goods and services
- Tracking purchases and communications in an organized folder
- Assigning a point person to coordinate requests
She also shared a downloadable toolkit with additional resources:
📁 Archangel ESEA Title Programs Overview
Partner Spotlight: Archangel Education
ISLA is proud to partner with Archangel Education, a mission-aligned company offering technology solutions tailored for K–12 schools. Their products and services include:
- Chromebooks and laptops
- Interactive panels
- White glove management and setup
- Warranties and support
Exclusive Offer for ISLA Schools:Use code ISLA2025 for 10% off your next Archangel purchase. A portion of each sale using the code will be donated back to ISLA to support our mission.
📧 info@arch-te.com | 📞 866-747-4486 | 🌐 arch-te.com
What’s Next?
Dr. Dowling reminded attendees that funding and policy updates may shift depending on upcoming federal decisions. The best way to stay informed:
- Subscribe to the ONPE Listserv
- Maintain communication with your LEA and ESEA Ombudsman
- Follow ISLA for continued guidance—we will represent Islamic education at the ONPE and CAPE convenings this fall
Final Thoughts
Accessing federally funded services is a legal right for non-public schools. While the process can feel complex, resources and support are available. ISLA is committed to equipping Islamic school leaders with the tools and knowledge they need to advocate effectively.
👉 Watch the full webinar recording here: webinar
👉 Support ISLA: https://theisla.org/donate