Pennsylvania Private Schools Bond

A Pennsylvania Private Schools Bond is a type of surety bond required for any private school that is licensed or registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). This includes both elementary and secondary schools. The bond ensures that the school will comply with all of the Pennsylvania Private Licensed Schools Act (Act 73), including:

• Providing a safe and healthy learning environment
• Hiring qualified teachers
• Offering a challenging and comprehensive curriculum
• Maintaining accurate records of all students
• Reimbursing parents for unearned tuition if the school closes

If the school fails to comply with any of the Act 73 requirements, the surety company that issued the bond may be liable for damages. If the surety company pays a claim on the bond, it will seek restitution from the bond principal (licensee).

The bond amount is typically $10,000, but it may be higher depending on the gross tuition collected by the school during the previous fiscal year. For licensees with more than $500,000 of gross tuition collected, the minimum bond amount is $10,000 for each $500,000 or portion thereof of gross tuition collected during the previous fiscal year. The maximum bond amount is $100,000.

How to get a Pennsylvania Private Schools Bond

At Surety1.com we make it easy to obtain this surety bond. Our simple, three step process is:

1. Complete the easy to navigate and secure online application. ¹
2. Review the free, no obligation quote from one of Surety1’s professional surety bond agents, usually within one business day.
3. Sign some paperwork and pay the bond premium

Once these steps have been completed, the Pennsylvania Private Schools Bond will be shipped to the bond applicant.
^{1 -The name of the applicant on the surety bond application must match exactly the full legal business name of applicant for the license.}
The cost of the bond is usually between 1% and 3% of the bond amount, subject to a minimum premium and fees of $150 to$250. Surety1 will shop its many markets to procure the right price at the right terms.

Surety1.com is a service of AssuredPartners one of the largest and fastest growing insurance agencies in the nation. Representing over a dozen surety bond companies, Surety1.com is the premier online provider of surety bonds nationwide since 2003.

What are the Pennsylvania Private School License Requirements?

Here’s a summary of the Pennsylvania Private School License Requirements:

Private academic schools that offer a structured academic program leading to a diploma or equivalent must obtain a license from the PDE. To be eligible for a license, the school must meet the following requirements:

1. Compliance with State Standards: The school must comply with all applicable state standards for curriculum, instruction, assessment, and teacher qualifications.

2. Adequate Facilities and Resources: The school must provide adequate facilities and resources to support its educational program, including classrooms, libraries, instructional materials, and technology.

3. Qualified Teachers: All teachers must hold valid Pennsylvania teaching certificates appropriate to the subject areas they teach.

4. Financial Stability: The school must demonstrate financial stability to ensure its ability to meet its obligations to students, staff, and creditors.

5. Sound Organizational Structure: The school must have a clear and well-defined organizational structure with a governing board, a qualified administrator, and clear policies and procedures.

Registration Requirements for Private Non-Academic Schools

Private non-academic schools that do not offer a structured academic program leading to a diploma or equivalent are not required to obtain a license but must register with the PDE. To register, the school must meet the following requirements:

1. File a Registration Statement: The school must file a registration statement with the PDE, providing information about the school’s name, address, contact information, ownership structure, and educational program.

2. Maintain Accurate Records: The school must maintain accurate records of student enrollment, attendance, and teacher qualifications.

3. Comply with Health and Safety Regulations: The school must comply with all applicable health and safety regulations for schools.

4. Provide Adequate Supervision: The school must provide adequate supervision of students at all times.

5. Adhere to Ethical Standards: The school must adhere to ethical standards in its operations and dealings with students, parents, and the community.

Additional Requirements for All Private Schools

In addition to the licensing or registration requirements, all private schools in Pennsylvania must comply with the following:

1. 1. Comply with Civil Rights Laws: The school must comply with all applicable civil rights laws and must not discriminate against students or employees on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, or disability.

   2. Protect Student Privacy: The school must protect student privacy by implementing appropriate safeguards for student records and information.

   3. Report Child Abuse: The school must report any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities.

   4. Cooperate with State Audits: The school must cooperate with state audits and investigations of its operations.

   5. Retain Records: The school must retain records of student enrollment, attendance, teacher qualifications, and financial transactions for a specified period.

   6. Meet Fire Safety Standards: The school must meet all applicable fire safety standards for schools.

   7. Provide Emergency Plans: The school must have emergency plans in place for fire, natural disasters, and other emergencies.

   8. Insure Against Liability: The school must carry adequate liability insurance to protect itself from potential claims.

   9. Comply with Zoning Regulations: The school must comply with all applicable zoning regulations for its location.

   10. Obtain Necessary Permits: The school must obtain any necessary permits or licenses from local or state authorities.