Write a clear, dated request for a free school evaluation: special education, Section 504 or both. Copy it, then send it by email.
Under federal special education law, a parent can ask the public school district in writing to evaluate a student for a suspected disability. A written, dated request starts the clock and creates a record. Many districts also evaluate students in private schools and homeschool programs; send the letter to the district where your student lives or attends school and ask who handles evaluations.
Fill in what you can
Areas of concern
After you send it
Send it by email and keep a copy, or hand-deliver it and ask for a dated receipt.
The district must respond. If it agrees, it will ask for your written consent; federal rules then give it 60 days to complete the evaluation, unless your state sets its own timeline.
If the district says no, it must explain why in writing. You can ask questions, request a meeting, or ask for an independent evaluation if you disagree with a completed evaluation.
General information, not legal advice. Timelines and procedures vary by state; check your state's parent rights notice, which the school must give you.
Want help with this part? Your Caveat advisor drafts the request with you, organizes the records, tracks every deadline and prepares you for each meeting.
This tool is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Each college decides admission, aid and how credit counts, and requirements change; check each college's own pages. Examples are examples, not promises. Caveat Academic Services is an independent college preparation company. Students do all of their own work.