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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...
Reminder! Join CAPSO VoterVoice
Congratulations to Private CA Blue Ribbon Schools!
Impact of Shutdown and Layoffs on IDEA
Public Christian School Opens in Colorado
Rerun: Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Resources
Apply to Become a Green Ribbon School
No-Cost Private School PD through Title IIA Funds
State IIA Private School Live Learning
Legislative Call to Action
What I've Been Reading
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Why CAPSO is Using VoterVoice and Call to Register
In the months ahead, California’s legislature will consider bills that could profoundly impact private schools—how we operate, how we serve families, and how we preserve the independence that defines our communities. To ensure that the voice of California’s private schools is heard clearly and effectively, CAPSO is launching a new advocacy platform: VoterVoice.
VoterVoice is a trusted, easy-to-use tool that empowers school leaders, educators, and parents to take part in legislative advocacy with just a few clicks. Once registered, you’ll receive timely alerts when your action can make a difference. With one simple email or message, your voice joins thousands of others across California to speak up for the rights and values that guide private education. CAPSO has traditionally managed legislative matters without the need for formal advocacy campaigns. However, as the political landscape grows increasingly dynamic, being organized for collective action—should the need arise—demonstrates our commitment to preparedness for the protection of private education rights.
This new platform will allow CAPSO to:
- Mobilize our network quickly when legislation demands attention.
- Provide accurate, up-to-date information about key bills affecting private schools.
- Help members connect directly with their state and federal representatives.
- Strengthen our collective impact on policy decisions shaping the future of education in California.
By registering now, you’ll ensure that you’re ready to participate in upcoming campaigns—whether defending parental choice, preserving private school autonomy, or supporting funding access for equitable services. CAPSO will continue to provide analysis, updates, and talking points to make advocacy easy and effective, but it starts with registration.
Your voice matters. Together, we represent hundreds of thousands of educators, students, and families who believe in the value of private education. When we speak together, policymakers listen. Click the button below to register!
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Congratulations to CA's Private Blue Ribbon Schools!
When the federal government suspended the National Blue Ribbon Schools program, the decision brought understandable disappointment—especially for those schools that had applied during the previous academic year in anticipation of being recognized in 2025.
The Council for American Private Education (CAPE)—the national organization for which CAPSO serves as California’s representative within the State CAPE Network—stepped in to fill this gap by announcing the private schools that had successfully met the criteria for national Blue Ribbon recognition. That press release may be viewed here.
In partnership with the California Department of Education (CDE), CAPSO also supported the inclusion of private schools in a statewide press release recognizing and honoring the California schools that merited this distinction. That press release may be viewed here.
CAPSO is proud to collaborate with both CAPE and the CDE and extends sincere gratitude to each organization for their leadership in ensuring that the accomplishments of outstanding schools receive the recognition they deserve.
Please join us in congratulating the following three private schools from California that have been recognized with the distinction of Blue Ribbon School:
- San Francisco, Archdiocese of San Francisco, Ecole Notre Dame Des Victoires
- Orange, Pacific Southwest District, Lutheran High School - Orange County
- Los Angeles, Chamlian Armenian School
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Impact of Shutdown and Layoffs on IDEA
Questions and concerns continue to circulate within the private school community about how the federal government shutdown and ongoing staff reductions at the U.S. Department of Education may affect the programs in which our schools participate, including ESSA and IDEA.
Thanks to our partners at ADAC, we are pleased to share the memo below, which provides clarity on these issues and outlines the anticipated impacts and outcomes for the affected programs. CAPSO and ADAC hope this information helps provide reassurance and context as we continue to navigate these developments.
Click the image below to access the full document.
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Public Christian School Opens in Colorado
In recent years, the American interpretation of religious freedom and public funding has faced multiple tests. CAPSO members will recall our tracking and updates last year regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s consideration of religious charter schools, as well as challenges to California’s policy prohibiting religious schools from applying as certified nonpublic schools.
The most recent example comes from Colorado, where Riverstone Academy has been established as a public elementary school explicitly integrating Christian-based materials and faith-oriented lessons. The Colorado Department of Education has determined that this approach conflicts with the state constitution’s requirement that public schools remain nonsectarian, rendering the school ineligible for state funding. Riverstone’s organizers contend that excluding the school from funding on religious grounds violates federal constitutional protections.
With a similar constitutional framework in California, this case underscores the continuing legal and constitutional debates surrounding the intersection of religion and public education.
Access the full article here: The Colorado Sun
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Rerun: Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Resources
Securing private schools is an evolving responsibility that now extends to include cybersecurity and infrastructure security. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) offers free, authoritative tools designed to strengthen campus safety, enhance cybersecurity, and improve emergency preparedness—directly safeguarding students, staff, and school operations. The Resources & Tools section of CISA’s website provides vetted support materials, including cybersecurity assessments, guidance publications, training modules, response tools, and exercise packages.
For private school leaders, these resources are especially valuable in the following ways:
- Risk assessment & mitigation: Conduct formal evaluations of physical and cyber vulnerabilities using tools such as the Infrastructure Survey Tool and the School Security Assessment Tool.
- Policy & planning support: Apply guidance documents (e.g., K-12 School Security Guide) to develop or strengthen emergency preparedness, incident response, and safety policies.
- Training & capacity building: Integrate CISA webinars and training modules on active shooter preparedness, suspicious activity recognition, and related topics to build staff and student awareness.
- Scenario exercises & resilience building: Use tabletop exercise packages to simulate threat scenarios, test response protocols, and strengthen institutional resilience.
Visit CISA's Website to Access Resources & Tools
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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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Participate in the Presidential AI Challenge!
Content below is directly from the Presidential AI Challenge website
WHAT: Student participants will complete a project that involves the study, development, or use of an AI method or tool to address community challenges, while educators will focus on creative approaches to teaching or using AI technologies in K-12 learning.
WHY: The Presidential AI Challenge seeks to inspire young people and educators to create AI-based innovative solutions to community challenges while fostering AI interest and competency. Students and educators of all backgrounds and expertise are encouraged to participate and ignite a new spirit of innovation as we celebrate 250 years of independence and look forward to the next 250 years.
The Presidential AI Challenge will foster interest and expertise in AI technology in America's youth. Early training in the responsible use of AI tools will demystify this technology and prepare America’s students to be confident participants in the AI-assisted workforce, propelling our Nation to new heights of scientific innovation and economic achievement.
WHEN: Online registration is open now! Project submission deadline is January 20, 2026.
HOW: Click here to visit the Presidential AI Challenge website to learn more & to register
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What I've Been Reading... | | | |
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Questions?
Please don't hesitate to contact us!
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Effective July 1, 2024 CAPSO has a new mailing address and phone number:
CAPSO
PO Box 1077
Novato, CA 94948
(415) 295-6333
| | 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. | | Stay part of the conversation and follow our page on LinkedIn! |
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