Local Public or Private School

Local Public School

For information regarding enrollment in a local public school, contact the local education council to determine school availability, and enrollment procedures.

Sponsors are eligible for the reimbursement of authorized expenses for education related expenses, (e.g., books, fees, and student transportation expenses) up to the maximum Department of State Education Allowance limit for the sponsor’s duty assignment location, and the dependent’s grade level. Please refer to Expenses and Transportation for more information.

Local Private Day School

For a local private day school, please review Choosing an International School. Use these documents to assist with making an informed decision for your child. While we do not limit your choice of school that best supports your child’s learning, you must select a school which will allow your child to easily progress to the next grade level upon your return to the United States. With limited exception, the NDSP will pay one-time fees once for each assignment/tour of duty. Exceptions include enrollment at a school that does not offer the next higher grade level for a child, or in instances where a school is unable to provide for, or accommodate the educational needs of a child, and the maximum education allowance for the school year has not been exceeded. 

    Student transportation resources offered or arranged by a school or the U.S. Government (USG):

    Transportation resources provided or arranged by either the school or the USG (such as an embassy contracted bus) must be used, if available. For the purposes of this program “available” is defined as any student transportation offered or arranged by either the school, or the USG. If the school or USG does provide a transportation program, but you wish to use an alternate mode of transportation, please contact the NDSP Management team for next steps.

    If the school or USG does not offer or provide student transportation resources, the sponsor may elect to use public or commercial transportation resources such as scheduled public transportation, or commercial transportation resources such as taxi services, private car hire (e.g., Uber/Lyft), or the sponsor may elect to drive their children to school, and return, and request reimbursement for Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) mileage.

    Allowable Expenses

    One-Time Fees:

    • Application, Admission/Registration, Capital Improvement, Building Maintenance/Development Fees, Entrance/Evaluation/Assessment type fees, Matriculation and School Security Fees
    • English as a Second Language (ESL) course provided by the school may be paid in addition to the authorized Education Allowance
    • Costs or fees associated with course required or end-of-year examinations/tests, and Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exams

    Annual/Recurring Fees:

    • Technology fees (May not be used to lease/rent-to-own any computing devices)
    • Laboratory Fees
    • Academic testing required by the school
    • Fees for group-instruction activities such as Music, Art, and Physical Education (PE) if those fees are required for courses offered in the curriculum of the school, which occur during the regular school day
    • Non-U.S. Regional/International Fees (Not registration fees) for Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and American College Testing (ACT), and registration fees of the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT) for U.S. Grades 8 - 10 only.
    • Musical Instrument Rental fees required for a course that is part of the school curriculum, and that occurs during the regular school day.
    • Subject to NDSP review and approval, additional required, published annual fees that may be allowable under applicable law and regulations.

    Tuition and Education Resources

    • Publicly advertised tuition rates per the school’s fee schedule, for required core curriculum courses and electives taking place during the school’s regular school day.
    • Advanced academics such as Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses.
    • Textbooks, or access to online textbooks, used as standard work for the study of a particular subject, and is required as part of the curriculum
    • Transcript Conversion

    Student Transportation

    • Used on school days between the school and the sponsor’s home, one (1) round trip per day between home, school and return is authorized, subject to dependent’s available education allowance.
    • If the selected school OR the U.S. Government provides, or arranges a student transportation program, that transportation resource must be the first option.
    • Subject to NDSP review and approval, in a location where the selected school or USG does not provide or arrange a transportation program, commercial or private transportation resources may be used, or POV mileage may be reimbursed at the current DoD-approved official business POV mileage rate. Commercial transportation resources may include sources such as Uber, Lyft, and taxis may be authorized.

    Non-Allowable Expenses: 

    • School Meals
    • School Uniforms
    • Voluntary Elective Courses for dancing, horseback riding, sports or other specialized instruction
    • Overnight field trips/school excursions/camps/athletic events regardless of whether the trips are predominantly academic in nature or if participation is mandatory or voluntary
    • Before/After school care, activities, or events
    • Personal expenses including, but not limited to, computing devices, internet services, personal telephone service, satellite, or other communication expenses
    • U.S. exam/registration fees for SAT/ACT or other college entrance exams
    • Fees for museums, cultural events, or performances
    • Fees for graduation, yearbooks, parent-teacher organization fees
    • Debentures that pay shares of stock in the school which make the sponsor or the U.S. Government a shareholder in the school
    • Summer School
    • Purchase or reimbursement of safety equipment (e.g., car/booster seat, restraints)

    CLAIMS SUBMISSION INFORMATION

    The Non-DoW Schools Program (NDSP) offers several types of claims to support education-related expenses for eligible students. Understanding the appropriate claim type and submitting complete and accurate documentation are essential to ensure timely processing and reimbursement. The sections below outline each claim type and the required documentation for submission.

    GENERAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

    All claims submitted to NDSP must include complete and accurate documentation. Invoices and receipts must clearly identify the student, the services provided, associated costs, and the applicable dates of service. All documentation must be translated into English prior to submission to ensure proper review and processing.

    Please allow 30–35 business days for claim processing. Business days do not include Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays. Missing or incomplete documentation may result in delays or require resubmission. Sponsors are responsible for ensuring that each claim is submitted under the correct category and includes all required forms and supporting documentation at the time of submission. All sponsor-submitted claims must be submitted through the Sponsor Portal.

    All invoices must be in English or have been translated into English. Active-duty sponsors may request translation services via Military One-Source or by calling (800)342-9647.

    For currency conversions, sponsors should use the OANDA Currency Converter to determine the appropriate exchange rate. When submitting a personal reimbursement claim, the exchange rate should reflect the rate on the date the invoice was paid. 

    Sponsors are encouraged to consult their local NDSP Liaison to determine if there are location-specific submission practices. If additional guidance is needed, please contact the NDSP Resource Management Team and include the sponsor’s country of assignment in the subject line of the email. 

    Please note that NDSP cannot process payments or reimbursements until the sponsor and family have arrived at the overseas assignment location. Also note that claims for expenses incurred should be submitted by the end of each fiscal year (30 September).

    Careful adherence to these requirements will help ensure prompt review and payment.

    SPONSOR REIMBURSEMENT CLAIMS

    A Sponsor Reimbursement Claim is used when a sponsor incurs educational expenses out of pocket and subsequently submits a request for reimbursement through the NDSP.  This process allows eligible educational services and expenses to be reimbursed in accordance with applicable program policies and guidelines. 

    To process this claim, the sponsor must submit a completed and signed Sponsor Claim Form. An official invoice must also be included and should clearly provide the student’s name, an itemized breakdown of fees, and the dates of service.

    Proof of payment is required to confirm that the expense has been paid in full. Acceptable forms of proof include a paid receipt, a bank statement, or a wire transfer confirmation. Claims missing any required documentation may be delayed or returned for correction.

    PROVIDER CLAIMS 

    Provider Claims are used when NDSP issues payment directly to a service provider rather than reimbursing the sponsor. 

    This type of claim requires submission of a Provider Claim Form signed by both the sponsor and the provider. An official invoice must accompany the claim and include the student’s name, a detailed description of services provided, associated costs, and the dates of service.

    Additionally, documentation confirming that the services were authorized must be included. This ensures that NDSP approved the services prior to issuing payment.

    SCHOOL INVOICE (DIRECT PAYMENT TO SCHOOL)

    In cases where NDSP pays a school directly, a school invoice submission is required. The school must provide an official invoice that includes the student’s name, a detailed breakdown of tuition and fees, and the applicable dates of service. The invoice must be complete and clearly itemized to allow NDSP to validate charges and process payments efficiently.

    Note: All contracts are established between the school and the sponsor. While NDSP provides financial support for tuition requirements, NDSP is not legally authorized to enter into contracts with foreign entities.

    TRANSPORTATION CLAIMS

    Transportation claims cover expenses related to student travel, including school bus services, contracted transportation providers, and privately owned vehicle (POV) use when transportation is not provided by the school. If the school provides transportation, alternative transportation is not reimbursable.

    For standard transportation services, an official invoice must be submitted that clearly identifies the student, provides an itemized list of fees, and includes the applicable dates of service. 

    When a sponsor transports a student using a privately owned vehicle, reimbursement may be requested by submitting a completed SF1164 POV form. Mileage reimbursement is based on rates established by the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO). 

    To support POV claims, sponsors must also provide a corresponding student attendance record for the claimed period. A separate attendance record is required for each student. Complete and accurate documentation is necessary to ensure timely and accurate processing of all transportation claims.

    Visit the Education Allowance page for more information about the Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) education allowance.

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