Special Needs Scholarship Program
Life can be difficult. It can be even more difficult if you or someone in your life is living with a disability. Dealing with the cost of education on top of that can add to the stress.
That is why we are grateful to be a part of the Special Needs Scholarship Program, so that students with all levels of abilities can find meaning, belonging, and purpose in our classrooms.
The Special Needs Scholarship Program (SNSP) allows a student with a disability, who meets certain eligibility requirements, to receive a state-funded scholarship to attend a SNSP school such as WLA. This scholarship pays the full tuition of the student.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Choice Programs and the SNSP are governed by different laws. As such, the programs have different student eligibility requirements; different application processes and timelines; and have different school participation requirements. If the student meets the eligibility requirements and the school is in the Choice programs and the SNSP, it is a parent’s decision as to whether to apply to a Choice program or the SNSP. A parent may submit applications for the student to participate in both programs. However, a student can only participate in one program and the school can only receive money from one program, not both, for the student. If a parent submits applications to both programs, the parent should provide the private school with a written statement indicating which program the parent wants the student to participate in (Choice or SNSP). The department recommends that a parent fully evaluate the options before selecting a program (Choice or SNSP).
- For information on the Choice Programs, please see the Choice website.
- For more information on the SNSP, please see the SNSP website.
- For more questions, visit this link for Frequently Asked Questions
Or contact:
Emily Bilitz
Learning Coordinator/Instructor
SNSP Designee
920-921-4930 ext 305
If you believe your child has a disability, contact the school district where the school your child is attending is located to request a special education evaluation. If your child is found eligible for special education, the school district may, but is not required to, develop a services plan for your child. The services plan can be used to meet the SNSP requirement to have an IEP or services plan that is in effect. If the school district does not develop a services plan, you can contact the school district where your child resides and request a meeting to develop an IEP for your child. The IEP can then be used to meet the SNSP requirement to have an IEP or services plan that is in effect.
No. A 504 plan is not sufficient to qualify for the SNSP.
A Services Plan (ISP) is a written statement that describes the special education and related services a public school will provide to a student with a disability placed in a private school by their parent. Services plans are developed by public school districts.
An IEP is a written statement that outlines an educational plan for a student with a disability who is enrolled in a public school. IEP’s are developed, reviewed, and revised by a student’s IEP team.
The SNSP student application is a paper application that must be submitted to WLA. You can find the application here.
Students can apply for the 2023-2024 school year from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.
An application is complete when the following documents have been given to WLA:
- SNSP student application
- Documentation verifying the family’s current address (a list of residency documents can be found in the application)
Once WLA receives a complete application an admissions committee will determine if the student is eligible, other than determining whether the student has an IEP or Services Plan that meets the requirements.
If the student meets all of the following eligibility requirements:
- IEP or Services Plan: The student has a currently implemented Individualized Education Program (IEP) or services plan (ISP).
- Wisconsin Resident
- Under 21 years of age as of the date they apply or September 1.
