Family & Community Alternative Learning
Massachusetts Proprietary Schools

Filing A Complaint Against a Proprietary School or Teacher

If you are experiencing a problem with a proprietary school or teacher within a proprietary school and you have not been able to resolve it using the school's internal complaint resolution process, you have the option of filing a formal complaint against the school or the teacher with the Department.

Note: This complaint form is NOT to be used to file a claim for restitution of tuition for closed schools. Please refer to the closed school bulletins for information on how to file a claim.

• Procedures
  All private occupational schools licensed by the Commissioner of Education are required to establish a procedure for resolving student complaints. They are required by regulation (603 CMR 3.18(1)) to provide a copy of the complaint procedure to all students and are required to publish this procedure in the school's catalogue.
  Students should first file a written complaint with the school and use the school's internal complaint procedure policy. Students would be wise to document any communications (names, dates) with the school regarding the complaint. If the school does not respond to the complaint within thirty (30) days, students may then submit a written complaint, using the form provided, to the Department. Your complaint will be logged in and assigned a reviewer. The reviewer will notify the school of your complaint and copy you on any correspondence. The school has thirty (30) days from the notification of the complaint to respond to the Department.
  Schools are required to keep a written record of all student complaints for a minimum of one year following the graduation or withdrawal of the student.

• Form |
• Closed School Bulletins, School Lists and Records