In general, an accredited public school is the most appropriate education placement for a child in DFPS conservatorship. Public schools offer standard curriculum, special education and other services to meet the needs of most students, and offer a range of courses and extracurricular activities a private school may not have. Children in DFPS conservatorship must attend a public early childhood education program, pre-kindergarten program, public (including charter) school or be educated in a home setting unless an exception is granted.

Children with disabilities must be educated in the least restrictive environment.