Private School & Career School LicensureDunlap, Grubb & Weaver has developed a very unique and focused practice assisting private secondary schools, post-secondary, career and vocational schools in many states across the Nation obtain licensure to operate. Most states have a special sub-agency with their Department of Education dedicated to private, career and vocational schools and colleges, that is tasked with licensing and regulating private schools and vocational institutions. These agencies thoroughly investigate, regulate and license qualified private elementary schools, as well as vocational, professional and career schools such as acting/modeling schools, aviation schools, bartending schools, and other technical programs that are designed to provide students with skills to gain employment in a particular field. The laws and administrative regulations that govern the licensure and operation of private schools are strictly enforced, and often very difficult for a school owner to understand and follow. The application for licensure in some states can exceed 200 pages in length, and the requirements to obtain a license can vary greatly from state-to-state. In particular, the regulatory framework and licensure application process in states such as Florida, Virginia and Texas can be extremely difficult to successfully navigate, and school owners in states such as these often find the application process a tremendous obstacle and impediment to commencing operations. Often, even companies that provide short seminars need to be licensed to operate. In most states where private school licensure is required, it is actually a misdemeanor, and in some instances, a felony to operate a school that has not been properly licensed. We can help a wide variety of schools obtain a license to operate in almost any state in the country where licensure is required, including:
... and many more. We often work with local counsel in states where our firm's attorneys are not licensed to practice. In many states, schools of a strictly avocational nature do not need to be licensed. Avocational schools provide courses for pleasure and enjoyment only, as opposed to teaching students specific skills to obtain employment in the marketplace. Examples of avocational schools are martial arts schools, investment seminars and ballet schools. Some states require that avocational schools obtain a written exemption from the licensure requirements that apply to professional and career schools. We have advised and helped many avocational schools obtain an exemption from licensure in a number of states across the country. Even in those states where it is not necessary to apply for an exemption, we regularly advise owners of avocational schools on how to structure their course offerings and how to operate in a manner that ensures that the school complies with their state's exemption requirements. If you are considering opening a private secondary school, a vocational/career school, or even an avocational school, call Dunlap, Grubb & Weaver today to get the assistance you need to efficiently navigate the regulatory process. Visit state specific links: |