Back to School Series: A Parent’s Guide to Private School Education

As the new school year commences, many parents may be exploring their options for their children’s education (see our explorations on homeschooling and unschooling, as well). Private schools are one popular route, offering unique environments and specialized approaches.

In this guide, we’ll explain what private schools are, how they differ from public schools, the types of private schools available, recent trends in enrollment and tuition costs, and key factors to consider when deciding if a private school is right for your family.

What Is a Private School?

A private school is an educational institution that operates independently of the public school system. Unlike public schools, which are funded by government (taxpayer) money, private schools rely on tuition paid by families and often on donations or endowments. Because they do not receive public funding, private schools have more freedom to design their own curriculum and policies. They can be selective in admissions and are sometimes affiliated with a religious organization. In the 2021–22 school year, about 77% of private K–12 students attended a religiously affiliated school (with Catholic schools alone accounting for 35% of private enrollment).

In practice, private schools come in all shapes and sizes. Some are small, community-oriented schools, while others are well-known college preparatory institutions. Some emphasize alternative educational philosophies, and many offer specialized programs or environments that differ from the typical public school model. Per the Pew Research Center, approximately 10% of U.S. schoolchildren attend private schools (about 5 to 6 million students), a share that has held fairly steady over the past decade. This means the vast majority of children go to public schools, but private education remains a significant and stable part of the education landscape.

Private vs. Public Schools: Key Differences

Key distinctions include:

Funding and Governance: Public schools are tuition-free and funded by federal, state, and local taxes, operating under guidelines set by government authorities. Private schools, by contrast, charge tuition and operate independently; they may be run by non-profit organizations, religious institutions, or private companies. Because of this, private schools can set their own academic standards and curricula, whereas public schools must follow state-approved curricula and testing requirements.
Admissions: Public schools generally must accept all students within their geographic district (and charter public schools admit by lottery). Private schools, however, use a selective admissions process – families must apply, and students are admitted based on criteria like academic records, interviews, or entrance exams. This means private schools can shape their student body, whereas public schools serve a broad community by law.
Class Size and School Size: Private schools typically have smaller student populations and class sizes. For example, 82% of private schools have fewer than 300 students, whereas many public schools are much larger. A smaller class size can translate to more individualized attention for each student. Public schools, especially in highly populated areas, often have larger classes and student-to-teacher ratios due to their scale.
Teachers: Teachers in public schools are typically state-certified and must meet certain credential requirements. Private school teachers might not need state certification (rules vary by school), though many have advanced degrees or specialized training in their subject or teaching method. Because private schools set their own hiring standards, they may recruit teachers with specific backgrounds (for example, theology degrees for a religious school, or Montessori certification for a Montessori school). In terms of pay, public school teachers often have set salary scales funded by the district, while private school teacher salaries can vary widely.
Extracurriculars and Facilities: Large public schools may offer a wide array of sports teams, clubs, and extracurricular activities due to sheer size. Private schools also offer extracurriculars, but the scope can range from very extensive to more limited, depending on the school’s resources. Some private schools have state-of-the-art facilities (science labs, theaters, athletic complexes) funded by tuition and donations, while others might be more modest. It really depends on the school’s funding and focus.

Public schools are accessible to all and follow standard guidelines, while private schools offer a more controlled environment with specific educational approaches, at the cost of tuition and exclusivity. Each system has its own advantages, and what works best will depend on a child’s needs and a family’s priorities.

Types of Private Schools

Private schools are far from one-size-fits-all. There is a wide variety of private school types, each with its own philosophy and environment. Here are some of the most common types of private schools:

Religious Schools (Faith-Based Schools)

A large portion of private schools are affiliated with a religion. These include Catholic schools, Protestant Christian schools, Jewish schools (often called yeshivas or day schools), Islamic schools, and others. Religious private schools blend a traditional academic curriculum with religious instruction and values. For example, students might attend chapel or Mass, have Bible studies or religion classes, or observe religious traditions as part of the school routine.

It’s worth noting that religious private schools can vary in how strictly they adhere to religious doctrine. Some Catholic and Protestant schools hire mostly licensed teachers and teach a full college-prep curriculum plus religion, making them similar to public schools academically (with the addition of faith). Others, such as some fundamentalist Christian schools or Orthodox Jewish schools, may prioritize religious studies more heavily. Always review the curriculum to see the balance of secular and religious education.

Montessori Schools

Montessori schools are based on the educational philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori. Montessori education is child-centered, emphasizing independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a child’s natural psychological development. In practical terms, Montessori classrooms look very different from traditional classrooms: you’ll see children working with hands-on learning materials, often moving around the room and choosing activities that interest them. Learning is highly individualized – students are encouraged to explore and learn at their own pace with guidance from the teacher. Montessori classes are also typically multi-age, meaning, for example, 3- to 6-year-olds might learn together, or 6- to 9-year-olds in one class. This allows older children to mentor younger ones and everyone to progress as they are ready.

Montessori schools often run from preschool through early elementary grades, though some extend into upper elementary or even middle school. Parents who choose Montessori usually value its gentle, exploratory approach to early education.

Waldorf Schools

Waldorf schools (also known as Steiner schools) offer another alternative educational philosophy. Founded by Rudolf Steiner, Waldorf education is holistic, aiming to develop a child’s intellectual, artistic, and practical skills with a strong focus on imagination and creativity. The Waldorf method incorporates art, music, storytelling, and nature into everyday learning. For example, young children in Waldorf might spend time baking bread, gardening, or painting as part of their routine. Academics are introduced gently – traditionally, formal reading instruction is delayed until around age 7 in many Waldorf schools, under the belief that storytelling and oral language lay the foundation in early years. Technology (like computers or tablets) is also often limited in the classroom, especially in the early grades, to encourage imaginative play and human interaction.

Waldorf teachers typically stay with the same class of children for multiple years, looping up with them, which helps build a close-knit community. The curriculum is distinctive; it might include things like learning to play the violin, handwork (knitting, sewing), and studying subjects through storytelling and art. There are over a thousand Waldorf schools worldwide, and they represent one of the largest independent school movements. Families drawn to Waldorf education usually appreciate its creative, arts-rich approach and the emphasis on educating the “whole child.” Keep in mind, Waldorf schools are private (in the U.S.) and charge tuition.

College Preparatory Schools (Prep Schools)

Preparatory schools, or “prep schools,” are private secondary schools designed to prepare students for college. These schools typically serve high school students (and sometimes middle school), offering rigorous academics, a variety of advanced courses, and guidance aimed at college admissions. Many boarding schools and day schools fall into this category. They often have strong records of graduates attending selective colleges. Prep schools tend to have small class sizes, highly qualified teachers (often with advanced degrees in their subject), and plentiful resources for academics, arts, and athletics.

A college-preparatory school may be independent (non-religious) or affiliated with a religion (for example, there are Catholic prep high schools). The common thread is that the curriculum and school culture are geared toward helping students build the skills, knowledge, and extracurricular portfolios attractive to universities. These schools usually offer Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, rich libraries and science labs, and robust college counseling. Admission can be competitive, and tuition is often on the higher end (since many prep schools are elite private institutions). For families who prioritize academic excellence and college outcomes, prep schools can be very appealing.

Boarding Schools

Boarding schools are a distinctive subset of private schools where students live on campus during the school year. Boarding schools can be college-prep in nature (many of the famous New England prep schools are boarding), but there are also boarding schools focused on specific areas like the arts, sports, or even military training (e.g., military academies). At a boarding school, students typically stay in dormitories, eat their meals in a dining hall, and have structured study hours and extracurricular schedules. In many ways, boarding school simulates the college experience by allowing students to live away from home and learn to manage their time and responsibilities in a supervised setting.

Not surprisingly, boarding schools are among the most expensive private schools. Tuition covers not only instruction but also room and board (housing and meals). A five-day boarding school (where students go home on weekends) can be comparable to college costs. Many boarding schools do offer financial aid, but cost is a major consideration.

Other Specialized Private Schools

In addition to the above categories, many other types of private schools cater to specific needs or philosophies:

Single-Sex Schools: Some private schools are all-boys or all-girls schools. These schools believe in single-gender education to supposedly reduce distractions and tailor teaching methods to boys or girls.
Language Immersion and International Schools: These private schools focus on bilingual education or international education. For example, a French-American school or a Mandarin immersion school where students learn all subjects in a second language.
Special Education Schools: There are private schools dedicated to children with special needs or learning differences (such as autism spectrum, dyslexia, or ADHD). These schools have specialized staff and programs to support students who might struggle in a traditional classroom.
Alternative and Progressive Schools: Besides Montessori and Waldorf, other private schools might label themselves as “progressive” or have unique curricula. Some might emphasize project-based learning, outdoor education, or a “micro-school” format (very small schools, sometimes with mixed ages and a custom curriculum).

Private School Enrollment and Cost Trends (2023–2025)

If you’re considering private schooling, it helps to know the latest statistics and trends about enrollment and costs. Below is an overview of what’s happening in recent years:

Post-Pandemic Trends: The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020–2021 caused some shifts in school enrollment. Early in the pandemic, private school enrollment actually shrank as schools and families grappled with lockdowns. However, many private schools reopened for in-person learning faster than public schools, leading some families to switch to private options during 2020 and 2021. As a result, some private schools saw a surge in applications and enrollment when public schools were remote. A 2024 survey of private schools found that 53% reported an enrollment increase during the pandemic years, and a majority of those schools were able to maintain their increased enrollment even after public schools reopened. Between the 2023–24 and 2024–25 school years, about 40% of private schools nationally still reported growing enrollment, though growth has slowed compared to the initial pandemic boom. In other words, there remains interest and demand for private schooling, but the dramatic spikes of the pandemic era are leveling off.
School Choice Expansion: Another recent trend (2023–2025) is the expansion of school choice programs in several states. These programs (such as vouchers or Education Savings Accounts) allow public funds to be used for private school tuition in some cases. In 2023, numerous states passed or expanded such programs, and by the 2023–24 school year, roughly 2% of U.S. students were utilizing publicly funded programs to attend private schools. That’s still a very small fraction of total enrollment, but it’s growing. For now, it’s a trend to watch, especially if you live in a state with new vouchers or scholarships – it might influence your options or the competition for private school spots.
Average Tuition Costs: How much does private school cost? This is a crucial question for parents. Costs vary widely, but on average, K–12 private school tuition in the U.S. is about $12,800 per year. That figure comes from 2021 data and includes all private schools (from small church-affiliated schools to elite academies). Keep in mind that’s an average – the range is enormous. For example, by state averages: Connecticut’s private schools average around $29,000/year, while South Dakota’s average is only about $4,200/year. Generally, states in the Northeast and big cities have higher tuition, while the Midwest and South have more low-cost private options (often religious schools).

Key Considerations for Choosing a School

If you’re thinking about private school (or any school choice), keep these important factors in mind in your decision-making:

Curriculum and Educational Philosophy: What is the school’s teaching approach, and does it fit your child’s learning style? Do they use traditional teacher-led instruction or a more exploratory method? Are they STEM-focused, arts-focused, or well-balanced? Make sure the school’s academic program aligns with your goals for your child.
Class Size and Individual Attention: Ask about the average class size and student-to-teacher ratio. If your child thrives with personal attention, you’ll want a school with smaller classes. Find out if teachers act as advisors or mentors as well.
School Values and Culture: Every school has a culture. Is it competitive or collaborative? Formal or relaxed? Community service-oriented? Tour the school if possible and observe how students and staff interact.
Extracurriculars and Enrichment: Look at what opportunities exist beyond academics. Does the school have sports teams, and if so, which ones? What about art, theater, music, debate, robotics, or other clubs?
Diversity and Community: Consider the school’s community in terms of diversity. Does the school have students from various backgrounds? Do they have an inclusive atmosphere?
Location and Logistics: Practical matters count. Is the school within a reasonable distance for a daily commute? Do they offer transportation, or is carpooling available? If it’s a boarding school or far away, are you and your child comfortable with the arrangement of them living away from home? Also, consider the school calendar and schedule – year-round school or traditional? Lots of evening events requiring parent presence or not?
Cost and Financial Aid: Determine the full cost of attending, including tuition, fees, uniforms, and other expenses. Be realistic about what you can afford. Ask about financial aid options: what percentage of students receive aid, and what’s the average grant? Also, clarify the payment schedules or any multi-year tuition increase policies.
Academic Results and Accreditation: Finally, look at outcomes. Is the school accredited by a recognized accrediting body? Accreditation ensures a baseline of quality and that other schools or colleges will recognize the education. While numbers aren’t everything, they can indicate the school’s academic strength.

Final Thoughts

Private school education offers an array of possibilities, and it continues to be an important part of the educational landscape.

Remember that no option is inherently superior for every child; the goal is to find the right match for your child’s growth and happiness. Whether you decide on public, private, homeschooling (or something in between), being engaged and supportive in your child’s education is what matters most in the long run.

Here’s wishing you and your family a smooth and successful back-to-school season!