Subscriber (non-member) E-Mailer

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.

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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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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.

In This Issue...

CAPSO Website Refreshed

CA Credential Pathway for Private School Teachers (CL-834)

Reminder: File the 2026-2027 Private School Affidavit (PSA)

CAPSO on the Road

Member Organization Question of the Month

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



CAPSO Website Refreshed to Streamline Access to Key Resources

Based on member feedback, CAPSO has updated its website to make key resources easier to find and access. Our members have shared that, while CAPSO provides valuable information, templates, and tools, it can sometimes be difficult to locate them later in an email or remember where a particular link was shared.

Historically, CAPSO shared many templates and resources directly by email rather than posting them publicly on our website. This allowed us to reserve these valuable materials exclusively for CAPSO members- but it also meant members sometimes had to search through past emails to find what they needed.

Our updated website offers a more cohesive approach. Members can now find CAPSO’s resources and templates directly on the website, while member-only materials remain protected through restricted pages and resources. 



We hope the redesigned website makes it easier for our CAPSO members to take full advantage of the resources available through membership. As with any change, we recognize there may be a few bumps as members adjust to entering a passcode for protected materials. CAPSO will include the passcode at the bottom of each monthly member E-Mailer, and CAPSO member organization leadership will have the password to support member schools in need of assistance.

Click below to watch a brief video explaining the updated website and how to quickly find the information and resources you need.

CA Credential Pathway for Private School Teachers (CL-834)

Thank you to everyone who attended CAPSO’s Back-to-School Administrator Briefing, where we discussed the CL-834 credential pathway and CAPSO’s new induction partnership with the Center for Teacher Innovation (CTI). The following information serves as a review for attendees and a resource for those who were unable to join us.

Understanding CL-834

The CTC’s CL-834 pathway allows eligible private school teachers to apply qualifying experience toward a California Multiple or Single Subject Teaching Credential.

CAPSO Resources

CAPSO has created a resource page for our members with a pathway overview, application checklist, and two templates: (1) a Verification of Employment and (2) Supplemental Teacher Evaluation Letter. CAPSO created both of these resources in consultation with the CTC to support clear, complete applications for our member school teachers.

One-Year Induction for CAPSO Members

Teachers who already hold preliminary credentials, including teachers who earn them through CL-834, must complete a state-approved induction program to clear their credential.

To provide an induction option responsive to the distinct needs and experiences of private school teachers, CAPSO is proud to announce a new partnership with the Center for Teacher Innovation (CTI) at the Riverside County Office of Education. Through this partnership, eligible teachers at any CAPSO member school can access a one-year induction program with a school-selected coach at CTI’s lowest available agency rate of $2,100. Title II-A equitable services funds may be used to cover induction costs.

CAPSO member schools already contracted with CTI will be notified by CTI that their rate has been reduced as a result of this partnership and their status as a CAPOS member school, and a refund will be issued for the difference.

Access All Resources

The CL-834 overview and checklist, CAPSO templates, and CTI induction resources are available on the CAPSO website under Member Resources (image below for guidance).

Reminder: PSA Filing for 2026-2027

The California Department of Education’s 2026–27 Private School Affidavit (PSA) filing system is now open. California private schools are required to file a PSA annually, with the statutory filing period running from October 1–15. Schools are encouraged to complete the filing early and retain their confirmation email and code for their records.

Click here to file the 2026–27 Private School Affidavit

Don’t remember your school’s CDS code? Search for your school in the California School Directory to locate it.

Upcoming Member Services & Sessions

September 3. CAPSO with ACSI School Leadership

September 4. CAPSO New Administrator Academy

September 8. CAPSO Finance Committee Meeting

September 17. CAPSO at State Council for American Private Education Meeting

September 17. CAPSO at US Department of Education, Office of Non-Public Education Mtg.

September 20-22. CAPSO at Council for American Private Education Fall Meeting

September 25. CAPSO-UCSF Multitudes Fall Teacher Training

September 28. CAPSO Board Retreat/Training

September 29. CAPSO Board Meeting

You asked, CAPSO answers!

Each month, we’ll spotlight one important question raised by a CAPSO member organization that may be on your mind, too.

___________________________________________________________________________

Question of the Month: "Our school recently participated in a meaningful consultation meeting with our LEA regarding Title IIA. The enrollment figure the LEA used to calculate our equitable share was inaccurate. Where did the LEA obtain that number?"

Answer: In California, LEAs use the enrollment reported on each private school’s annual Private School Affidavit (PSA) when calculating the Title II-A equitable share. This gives every private school an important annual opportunity to ensure its enrollment information is accurate. As you complete your PSA this year (and in future years), please take a moment to double-check your enrollment figures so your LEA has the best information available for its equitable-share calculation.

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: 

• Pillar I: Reduce environmental impact and costs;
• Pillar II: Improve the health and wellness of schools, students, and staff; and
• 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:

• Bronze Level (Entry Level Commitment): 55-64.9%
• Silver Level (Mid Integration): 65-74.9%
• Gold Level (Full Integration): 75% or better
• 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

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

Legislative Call to Action

Invite Your Legislators to School This Fall

As we start a new academic year, this is a perfect time to remind policymakers that private schools are a vibrant and essential part of their districts—and that our school communities are their constituents.

While CAPSO regularly provides legislators with comprehensive lists of member schools and engages in legislative advocacy on your behalf, one of the most meaningful and lasting impressions comes from experiencing a school firsthand. A visit to your campus allows legislators to see the impact of private education in their own communities.

Opening school events offer an ideal opportunity to extend an invitation. Consider reviewing your upcoming calendar for events—such as back-to-school events, student showcases, or community gatherings—where a legislator’s presence would be both appropriate and mutually beneficial.

How to Identify and Contact Your Local Representatives

You can look up your State Senator and Assemblymember here:

https://www.capso.org/contact-your-california-legislators

Invitations can be extended via email or phone. To support your outreach, CAPSO has provided a simple email template you can customize for your school:

access template here

A personal invitation from a constituent school can make a meaningful difference in helping legislators better understand and support private education in California.

What I've Been Reading...

An important component of my position is to read rigorously to stay current with all happenings that potentially impact private schools in California. A few articles always stand out as worthwhile, firsthand reads for private school leaders in California.

These articles do not necessarily represent CAPSO's perspective; they are resources that represent the diversity of thinking impacting and influencing the political and academic climate.

Have a few moments? Consider the following recommended links to What I've Been Reading...

Legal Battle over Jewish Charter School in Oklahoma

https://oklahomavoice.com/2026/08/05/legal-battle-over-jewish-charter-school-begins-in-oklahoma-city-federal-court/

Colorado's First Public Christian School Set to Close

https://coloradonewsline.com/2026/08/19/colorado-public-christian-school-close/

Special Education Access for Private Schools Headed to Supreme Court

https://www.k12dive.com/news/special-education-access-case-appealed-to-scotus/

EdTech Defense in New Guidance

https://www.k12dive.com/news/education-department-goes-to-ed-techs-defense

California Maintains School Vaccine Rules Despite White House Order

https://edsource.org/2026/california-maintains-school-vaccine-rules-despite-trump-order/

The State of California's K-12 Schools

https://www.ppic.org/publication/the-state-of-californias-k-12-schools/?utm_source=ppic%26utm_medium=email%26utm_campaign=epub