Which statement best describes Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)?

The statement defining Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) outlines a critical aspect of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in the United States. FAPE ensures that students with disabilities are entitled to receive free, accessible educational services that meet their unique needs without the financial burden falling on their families. This concept emphasizes that education must be tailored to the individual requirements of children with disabilities, ensuring they have the same opportunities to succeed as their non-disabled peers.

The focus on "at no cost" is crucial; it underlines the federal mandate that schools must provide necessary services, accommodations, and modifications to enable children with disabilities to access a free public education. This includes the provision of appropriate services based on the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

The other options incorrectly describe aspects of educational services and do not align with the principles of FAPE. For instance, limiting education to above-average students, imposing costs on parents for services, or confining the requirement to those ages 18 and older fails to encompass the comprehensive support and access that FAPE guarantees for all qualified children with disabilities, regardless of their level of ability or age.