# FAPE — Definition & Explanation

> From the SchoolBrowse Education Glossary.
> HTML version: https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/fape

**In short:** The legal right of students with disabilities to receive a free, appropriate public education tailored to their individual needs.
**FAPE** (Free Appropriate Public Education) is a legal right guaranteed to all students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Schools must provide special education and related services at no cost to families, designed to meet each student's unique needs.

## What FAPE Includes

FAPE ensures that students with disabilities receive an education comparable to that of non-disabled peers, including access to the general curriculum, specialized instruction, related services, and appropriate accommodations. The education must be provided in the least restrictive environment.

## Determining Appropriateness

What constitutes "appropriate" is individualized for each student through the IEP process. Courts have held that schools must provide more than minimal benefit—education must be reasonably calculated to enable progress appropriate to the child's circumstances.

## Frequently asked questions

**Q: What does FAPE stand for?**

FAPE stands for Free Appropriate Public Education, the legal right of students with disabilities to receive education tailored to their needs at no cost.
**Q: Who is entitled to FAPE?**

All students with disabilities ages 3-21 who qualify under IDEA categories are entitled to FAPE through their local public school district.
**Q: What if I disagree with what the school considers appropriate?**

Parents can request IEP meetings, seek mediation, file complaints with the state, or pursue due process hearings if they disagree with FAPE determinations.

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