Virginia Law

To obtain a license to operate a school for students with disabilities, an application shall be filed with the Virginia Department of Education. A completed initial application shall include the following:

1. Complete name with physical and mailing addresses of the school;

2. Name and address of owners, controlling officials, and managing employees;

3. Evidence that the applicant has assessed the community's need for a new school;

4. Evidence of the applicant's compliance with the applicable regulations of the State Corporation Commission when the school is owned by a partnership or corporation;

5. Narrative description of building and scale drawings or copy of all floor plans including room use and dimensions;

6. Certificate of occupancy with educational use group or other report from the appropriate government agency or agencies indicating that the location meets applicable zoning, building code, use permit, business license, fire safety, and sanitation requirements;

7. Copy of the deed, lease, or other legal instrument authorizing the school to occupy such location;

8. Proposed working budget for the year showing projected revenue and expenses for the first year of operation and a balance sheet showing assets and liabilities; a three-year financial plan; and documentation of sufficient operating capital or line of credit to carry the school through the first year of operation;

9. Original signed surety bond, irrevocable letter of credit, or certificate of deposit to protect the contractual rights of parents and students;

10. Schedule of tuition and other fees and the procedure for collecting and refunding tuition;

11. Copies of all proposed advertisements;

12. Description of the education program to include disability category or categories to be served, enrollment capacity, grade level or levels, age range, gender, and course offerings;

13. Listing of instructional resources and equipment;

14. Description of related services;

15. School's policy manual;

16. Proposed staffing and organizational chart;

17. Job description for each position;

18. Parent/student handbook;

19. Statement regarding transportation services if the school provides transportation for students;

20. Statement regarding provision of student lunches;

21. Description of the behavior management program; and

22. Any other information necessary to complete the application process.