Blog Summary: Understanding the Burlington & Carter Decisions

The Burlington (1985) and Carter (1993) Supreme Court cases are the foundation of every parent’s right to seek district-funded private special-education placements when a public school fails to provide an appropriate IEP. In Burlington, the Court ruled that parents may place their child in a private school and receive reimbursement if the district’s IEP is inappropriate and the private placement meets the child’s needs. Carter expanded this right by holding that reimbursement may be required even if the private school is not state-approved. Together, these decisions ensure that when a school district cannot provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), parents can pursue the program that truly works for their child—without being limited to district-preferred or state-approved options. Burlington and Carter empower families to advocate for meaningful progress, safety, and individualized support when the public system falls short.