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School Assignment

When a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) can't be fully implemented at their current or neighborhood school, a member of the student's IEP team will request a school assignment to a school location with the appropriate support and services to meet the unique needs of the student as outlined by their IEP.

When a student’s current school cannot implement the student’s IEP based on the LRE/program recommendations of the IEP, a school assignment is requested by members of the student’s IEP team.

A school assignment is when the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) assigns a student to a school location that will meet their unique needs and abilities through an accessible school building, specially designed instruction, and/or a program with significantly modified curriculum and/or intensive support.

Determining School Assignments

School assignment determinations are based on:

  • the school’s ability to implement the student’s IEP; 

  • the school that is closest to the student’s residence; and 

  • an available seat in a school that can provide the supports and services documented in the student’s IEP.

CPS Programs Requiring a School Assignment

The following programs require an OSD school assignment:

School Assignment for Instruction Outside of the General Class

The following LRE placements outside of the general classroom (i.e., CPS specialty school, transition learning center, Separate Day School, Residential Placement, Home or Hospital) require an OSD school assignment, including:

Difference between LRE Placement and School Assignment

LRE are the services and supports needed to meet the unique needs of your child in a FAPE. A School Assignment is where the child will receive those services. 

Decisions determining the LRE are made by the child’s IEP team, which includes parents/guardians.

School assignments are based on the closest school to the student’s residence with a seat available that can provide the supports and services documented in the IEP. The OSD School Assignment team is responsible for assigning the school.

LRE vs. School Assignment

LRE is Determined By

  • Determined by IEP team
  • Decision is individualized based on student need
  • Considers the student’s Least Restrictive Environment

School Assignment is Determined By

  • Determined by OSD School Assignment Team
  • Provided when an IEP team determines a student’s needs exceed what can be supported at the student’s current school
  • Assignment is based on the closest school to the student’s residence with a seat available that can provide the supports and services documented in the IEP

Disputing School Assignment

Your child’s school assignment is based on the services and supports outlined in their IEP. If you have questions or concerns about the assigned school, please start by contacting your child’s case manager at their current school.

A school assignment will only be changed if the IEP Team determines that the assigned school cannot implement your child’s IEP. For additional support, you can also contact the OSD School Assignment Team by emailing osdschoolassignment@cps.edu or calling (773) 553-1847.