What is a free, appropriate public education?

A free, appropriate public education, or “FAPE,” is the standard of education that is guaranteed by the IDEA to be provided to all eligible children between the ages of 3 and 21. FAPE requires that each eligible child receive a program of special education and related services individually designed to meet his or her unique needs, from which that child must obtain meaningful educational benefit. FAPE must be provided in conformity with an Individualized Education Program, at public expense, under public supervision and direction, and without charge to the parents.

This Q&A was found on Special Education Lawyers in Pennsylvania - Connolly, Jacobson & John, LLP : http://www.cjjedlaw.com/modules/smartfaq/faq.php?faqid=2