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NPS Certification Applications

Process for submitting Nonpublic School (NPS) Certification Applications.

Prior to completing a new or renewing certification application, applicants should review the California Education Code (EC) sections 56365 through 56366.12, and the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 5, Section 3051, which contains the qualification standards required for a Nonpublic School (NPS) to provide services to students with exceptional needs.

Due dates for NPS Certification Applications:

  • New NPS applicants may submit the completed Certification Application anytime throughout the year unless the applicant falls under the requirements of EC Section 56366.1(k).
  • Renewing NPS applicants must submit the completed Certification Application and fee no later than October 31.

No refunds will be provided, pursuant to EC Section 56366.1(m).

To view information for the county in which you are located, select the appropriate link below:

To begin the new or renewal application process, select the appropriate link below:

NPS - Contact Information

Questions regarding NPSs may be directed to the Special Education Division, Nonpublic Schools Unit, at the contacts listed below.

General Contact Information

Region Topic Contact Email Telephone Number
California Nonpublic Schools General Questions, NPS Applications and Renewals Nonpublic Schools Unit NPS@cde.ca.gov 916-327-0141
Out of State Out-of-State Nonpublic Schools General Questions, NPS Applications and Renewals Nonpublic Schools Unit NPS@cde.ca.gov 916-327-0141
Various NPS Complaints and Investigations Dispute Resolution Services Unit Speceducation@cde.ca.gov 916-327-3704 (Fax)
Various Constituent Support Services Unit Constituent Support Services Unit SEDCO@cde.ca.gov 800-926-0648

Consultant Contact Information

Nonpublic School Consultants Email Telephone Number
Lynne Boone LBoone@cde.ca.gov 916-327-3703
Harry Canfield HCanfield@cde.ca.gov 916-327-3546
Michele Donahue MDonahue@cde.ca.gov 916-319-0769
Kimberly Doyle KDoyle@cde.ca.gov 916-327-3658
Melissa Elvidge MElvidge@cde.ca.gov 916-323-2590
Matthew Hill MHill@cde.ca.gov 916-445-5577
Steve Perez StPerez@cde.ca.gov 916-319-0581

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Instructions for New Certification as a Nonpublic School

To complete the certification application as a new Nonpublic School (NPS), NPS applicants must follow the steps below:

Step Certification Processes for NPS
1
 Review the General Certification Information for detailed information regarding the NPS Certification requirements.
2

Email the Nonpublic Schools Unit at NPS@cde.ca.gov or call 916-327-0141 to obtain an Intent to Apply for NPS Certification form and receive further instructions.

Completion of the NPS Certification Application is required for private schools applying for certification to serve individuals with exceptional needs under EC Section 56366.1. It is strongly recommended that EC sections 56365–56366.12 and the California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Section 3051 be reviewed for qualification standards required for a NPS to provide services to students with exceptional needs.

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Instructions for Applying for Certification as a renewing Nonpublic School

To complete the certification application as a renewing Nonpublic School (NPS), NPS applicants must follow the steps below:

Step Certification Processes for NPS
1
 Review the General Certification Information for detailed information regarding the NPS certification requirements.
2
 The Certification Application will be sent by email to all renewing NPSs by August 1 of each year.
3

Email the Nonpublic Schools Unit at NPS@cde.ca.gov or call 916-327-0141 if you have not received your Certification Application by August 1.

Completion of the NPS Certification Application is required for private schools applying for certification to serve individuals with exceptional needs under EC Section 56366.1. It is strongly recommended that EC sections 56365–56366.12 and the California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Section 3051 be reviewed for qualification standards required for a NPS to provide services to students with exceptional needs.

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Questions:  

Nonpublic Schools Unit | NPS@cde.ca.gov | 916-327-0141

Last Reviewed: Friday, July 17, 2026
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