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News and views from a private school perspective
CAPSO
Monthly E-Mailer
California Association of Private School Organizations
| | The Voice of Private Education in California | |
Mission Statement
The California Association of Private School Organizations (CAPSO) is the voice of K-12 private education in California. Its primary mission is to preserve the independence of California’s private schools and to uphold parental choice in education. CAPSO, independently and in collaboration with other community and governmental institutions, is an advocate, catalyst, and creative leader for strengthening and advancing K-12 private education in California. CAPSO’s mission is based on the belief that a healthy, pluralistic society depends upon educational options, parental choice, and dialogue and collaboration between educational entities.
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In This Issue...
California Contemplates Compulsory Kindergarten
School Choice in an Increasingly Dynamic Legislative Landscape
CAPSO Represents California at National CAPE & State CAPE Network Spring Meetings
Private School Survey (PSS) Reminder
Apply to Become a Green Ribbon School
No-Cost Private School PD through Title IIA Funds
Legislative Call to Action
What I've Been Reading
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Stay Subscribed!
CAPSO distributes a monthly E-Mailer to both members and subscribers. While both versions include important national and state legislative updates, current events, and perspectives, the member E-Mailer contains additional exclusive content and resources.
If you are a non-member subscriber, no action is required.
If you are a CAPSO member organization or a CAPSO member organization school leader and are receiving this E-mailer, you are currently receiving the subscriber (non-member) version. To receive the full CAPSO member E-Mailer, please click here to update your status and link your email address to your CAPSO member organization.
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California Contemplates Compulsory Kindergarten
California policymakers are considering legislation that would effectively require kindergarten attendance for California children, elevating the issue as a key education priority for 2026. Despite significant state investments in early childhood education—including the expansion of free transitional kindergarten (TK) for all four-year-olds—California remains one of 32 states that does not mandate school attendance for five-year-olds.
This proposal is not new; prior legislative efforts have stalled due to concerns related to cost, implementation, and parental choice. While the vast majority of families already enroll their children in kindergarten, approximately 5% opt out each year, often citing developmental readiness or alternative care preferences.
CAPSO is closely monitoring AB 1631. As currently drafted, the bill amends Section 48010 of the Education Code, requiring that a child complete one year of kindergarten before admission to first grade in a public elementary school, including charter schools. Importantly, this provision does not compel private schools to require kindergarten attendance for entry into first grade.
Additionally, proposed Section 48011 preserves a degree of flexibility by allowing children who have not completed a full year of kindergarten—whether in a public or private setting—to be admitted to first grade if they are at least five years old and are deemed ready, with parental consent, at the discretion of the school or district.
This is a developing piece of legislation, and CAPSO will keep our membership informed as the bill is amended and is considered at the assigned committees.
Read the Full Article: CalMatters
Read the Full Bill Text, AB 1631
Visits the CAPSO Legislation Tracker
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School Choice in an Increasingly Dynamic Legislative Landscape
The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC), established through the federal reconciliation process and evolving from earlier proposals under the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), is designed to incentivize charitable contributions to scholarship-granting organizations that expand student access to educational options and create a national school choice program. CAPSO has been actively engaged in this work in alignment with the Council for American Private Education (CAPE) and is currently awaiting federal rulemaking from the U.S. Department of the Treasury—anticipated in May—following the recent public comment period.
As that process unfolds, states are already responding—highlighting a dynamic and evolving legislative landscape. Recent proposals in Virginia (HB 359) and Colorado (HB26-1292) seek to condition participation in FSTC-funded scholarship programs on a range of requirements for private schools. These include expanded nondiscrimination provisions, expectations related to admissions practices, and, in some cases, requirements that could implicate religious school operations—such as accommodating student opt-outs from religious instruction or activities.
As currently written, some of these provisions could be prohibitive for private school participation, raising important questions about program accessibility and the preservation of school autonomy. This is an area of active monitoring and concern for CAPSO, particularly should similar policy approaches emerge in California in the context of a potential state opt-in.
At this time, California has not introduced comparable legislation, and discussions appear to be largely on hold pending federal guidance. CAPSO remains actively engaged in both national and state-level coalitions to stay informed and prepared, and will continue to provide updates as Treasury releases rules and the policy landscape develops.
CAPSO remains cautiously optimistic about the FSTC and stands ready to advocate for California’s participation, provided that forthcoming federal rulemaking preserves the core provisions that ensure meaningful access for private schools and uphold longstanding protections aligned with the program’s intent. We will remain actively engaged, keep our membership informed as developments unfold, and welcome the opportunity to support member organizations that are participating in strategic discussions.
Click here to learn more about the FSTC
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CAPSO Represents California at National CAPE & State CAPE Network Spring Meetings
CAPSO was proud to represent California’s private school community at the recent Council for American Private Education (CAPE) and State CAPE Network (SCN) Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C.
These convenings brought together national and state leaders in private education to engage in critical dialogue on emerging policy issues and advocacy strategies impacting private schools across the country. Key topics included the implementation and implications of the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, evolving state-level policy developments affecting private school participation in publicly funded programs, threats to private school autonomy, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in education. CAPSO also participated in direct engagement with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Non-Public Education (ONPE), ensuring that California’s private school community is represented in federal conversations that shape policy and practice.
Through this work, CAPSO continues to elevate the voice of California private schools on the national stage—advancing and protecting the principles of private school autonomy, educational pluralism, and parental choice. Insights gained from these national discussions directly inform CAPSO’s advocacy efforts in California, strengthening our ability to anticipate policy trends, respond strategically, and support our member organizations with timely and relevant guidance.
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Private School Survey (PSS) Reminder
The Private School Survey (PSS) is a biennial, national survey that collects data on the number of private schools, students, and teachers across the United States. While participation is voluntary, the California Association of Private School Organizations strongly encourages schools to complete the PSS as a powerful way to demonstrate that private education is vibrant and engaged nationwide.
It is important to distinguish the Private School Survey (PSS) from California’s Private School Affidavit (PSA). The PSA is a required state filing for private schools in California, while the PSS provides a voluntary—but critically important—national snapshot of private education. Together, they serve different but complementary purposes.
At a time when federal policy conversations are increasingly active, ensuring that private schools are fully represented in national data matters. Participation in the PSS helps federal leaders understand the true scope and impact of private education—reinforcing that it is a significant and valued part of the American education landscape, with a strong and engaged community behind it.
More information about the PSS can be found below.
(From the US Department of Education- Office of Non-Public Education)
What is the Private School Survey (PSS)?
The PSS is designed to generate biennial data on the total number of private schools, students, and teachers, and to build a universe of private schools to serve as a sampling frame of private schools for the Institute of Education Statistics’ (IES) National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) sample surveys and assessments. It also generates data for the NCES search for private schools resource. The PSS is administered by the U.S. Census Bureau (Census) on behalf of NCES.
Why is the PSS Critical?
- PSS data provides a snapshot of the contribution private schools make to K-12 education in the United States.
- Responses ensure every private school’s NCES-ID remains active and on the NCES school search tool which parents use to find local private schools that meet their needs.
- Completing the PSS is voluntary, but the Office of Non-Public Education strongly encourages K-12 private schools to complete it so that policy makers have access to accurate and timely data on private schools.
What’s Happening with the PSS this Spring?
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Schools may have received email invitations to complete the survey earlier this year from pss@census.gov, and can still complete it online via the original email.
- The survey only takes approximately 20 minutes.
- Between March 20 and May 22, Census staff will call and visit schools who have not completed the PSS.
Lose Your Original Email, or Need Other Help?
Schools may contact pss@census.gov or 1-888-329-5890 for assistance.
Additional Information
For more information, please visit Private School Universe Survey (PSS).
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Apply to Become a Green Ribbon School!
Did you know that private schools that participate in the Green Ribbon School process have the opportunity to be recognized at both the State and national levels?
The Green Ribbon School process is an opportunity to showcase efforts and be recognized for progress towards sustainability across three pillars:
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Pillar I: Reduce environmental impact and costs;
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Pillar II: Improve the health and wellness of schools, students, and staff; and
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Pillar III: Provide effective environmental and sustainability education
Each June, the California Department of Education launches the California Green Ribbon Schools (CA-GRS) application process, inviting public and private schools, districts, and county offices of education to showcase their achievements in sustainability. Participating schools have the opportunity to demonstrate achievement and earn points in pillar categories recognized in one of four tiered levels:
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Bronze Level (Entry Level Commitment): 55-64.9%
- Silver Level (Mid Integration): 65-74.9%
- Gold Level (Full Integration): 75% or better
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Green Achiever: Exemplary Achievement with Full Integration - Green achievers are nominated for Federal recognition in the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Program (ED-GRS).
Schools don't need to wait to apply until they have met full integration. Schools that apply will be supported with mentorship and resources, and schools with a 55%+ will be recognized with Bronze achievement by the California Department of Education!
Ready to Learn More?
California Green Ribbon Schools Achievers and Applicants Network: The CA Green Ribbon School Achiever and Applicant Network meets quarterly and aims to unite past, current, and future CA Green Ribbon Schools applicants dedicated to promoting sustainable practices and programs within their school communities. The network gives participants the chance to network with each other to inspire and share best practices.
The application opens in June and schools are encouraged to begin learning about the application process starting in January. A comprehensive toolkit is available. Use the link below to learn more!
Green Ribbon School Toolkit and Resources
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No Cost Private School PD Available
The California Department of Education receives funds through Title II, Part A, Equitable Services to provide no-cost professional development to private school educators.
The website, https://www.capspdnow.com, offers over 1000 no-cost courses available to schools and teachers in an on-demand format. Private school teachers and administrators can join the CaPSPD email distribution list to receive notifications about upcoming development opportunities by sending a blank email to join-private-school-professional-development@mlist.cde.ca.gov
Learn More About CaPSPDNow
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Legislative Call to Action | | | |
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American Heroes Student Art Contest
(Source: American Heroes Student Art Contest)
"American Heroes Student Art Contest, sponsored by Freedom 250 and the National Endowment for the Humanities, invites 3rd- through 12th- grade students from all states and territories to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday by creating original two-dimensional artworks, inspired by their favorite historical American hero, chosen from the list of 250 notable Americans - statesmen, athletes, scholars, artists, musicians, scientists, entrepreneurs, and more - to be honored in statues in the National Garden of American Heroes. America’s youth will stand on the shoulders of great American artists of the past to create a new expression of American art today! By marking this historic milestone through original artmaking, they will reignite America’s history, heroes, and values for a new generation… and for a chance to earn a trip to Washington, DC, and have their artwork included at the Great American State Fair!"
Submission Deadline: Friday, May 1, 2026, 11:59 p.m ET
Submission Requirements: Participating students should create and submit an original, handmade two-dimensional artwork and a 200-word artist statement.
Submission Categories:
- Upper Elementary School Students (Grades 3-5)
- Middle School Students (Grades 6-8)
- High School Students (Grades 9-12)
Learn More: https://freedom250.org/StudentArtContest
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What I've Been Reading... | | | | Stay part of the conversation and follow our page on LinkedIn! | | The California Association of Private School Organizations (CAPSO) uses AI as a tool to support administrative and operational efficiency. All AI-generated content is subject to professional expertise, careful review, and formal approval before use. | | | | |
