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4.7 million students in grades K-12 were served in 29,700 private schools in the United States (the U.S.), according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). This is about 9% of all the U.S. students in grades K-12.
Private schools are independent educational institutions. These schools don’t have strong control from the state, government, and public. Most private schools rely on tuition fees, private subscriptions, and endowments for their financial needs.
Discovering Private Schools Near You
Finding a private school for your child is an important process with a lot of factors to consider. Online resources, such as the National Center for Education Statistics School Locator, are a common starting point for many parents. GreatSchools and Private School Review are online databases offering search among reviews, programs, and facilities of the private schools.
Local education fairs offer direct interactions with representatives of schools. Many private schools offer virtual tours or test lessons, allowing them to show their facilities remotely to any interested family.
Smaller private institutions are often found on local community boards or social local groups.
Local libraries and community centers occasionally host information sessions or keep directories of private schools in their areas.
Families usually have the opportunity to find all private schools using search engines like Google, with their option location on.
Exploring Tuition Fees and Financial Aid
The tuition fee to attend a private school is different depending on the location, status, and facilities provided by the school. Online private schools are usually more affordable than traditional schools.
Tuition in private schools is around $12,350, but elite private schools in metropolitan areas often charge more, according to the US News.
Many private schools provide some form of financial assistance to make attending more affordable. Academic and athletic scholarships are a common way for schools to reward students with exceptional talent or dedication.
Resources like the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) usually provide information to calculate eligibility for financial aid for private schools.
Some private schools participate in state or federal voucher programs, allowing families to cover tuition costs. You can check EdChoice for more information about this program.
Families not eligible for financial support have the opportunity of tuition loans, flexible payment plans and discounts.
Use our tips to find the best affordable option for education of your child:
- Apply early for financial aid, as funds may be limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis
- Gather documents such as tax returns and income statements to smooth the application process
- Read reviews and discuss your options with the school’s consultant to find a solution
The Enrollment Process in Private Schools
Most private schools have an application process beginning a year or more in advance.
Look at the school’s website for specific timelines.
Most private schools’ enrollment includes an application process, interview, and entrance test. Application process usually requires gathering transcripts and letters of recommendation. Some schools ask for entrance exams or use common ones, such as Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) and Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT).
Many schools publish their acceptance rates on their website. Some popular schools often have waiting lists, so it’s better to consider several options.
Schools will contact families with regards to the outcome of their admission decision.
7 Top-Ranked Local Private Schools
There are many private schools available offline and online. We’ll overview the 7 popular private schools.
Legacy Online School
Legacy Online School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The diploma from Legacy Online School is widely accepted.
Legacy Online School offers a curriculum for elementary, middle, and high school. Legacy Online School’s curriculum covers core subjects. These subjects include Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Students choose electives like Spanish and Art. This curriculum includes live teaching in small groups for personalized attention. Students follow a structured schedule or work more independently. This flexibility allows students to choose what works best for their needs and family circumstances.
Legacy Online School offers various tuition plans. These plans include group learning, self-paced learning, and one-on-one live teaching. Prices start from $149 per month. Discounts are available for annual payments.
Bright Futures Academy
Bright Futures Academy offers elementary and middle school students a well-rounded curriculum based on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Tuition in Bright Futures Academy includes all learning materials necessary, reducing additional hidden fees in the cost of attendance. Scholarships and financial aid options available for families. Admission to Bright Futures Academy includes a formal application and an interview with the parents and students. Bright Futures Academy provides values-based education, integrating character-building into the curriculum.
Horizon Christian School
Horizon Christian School combines faith-based learning with challenging academics.
Horizon Christian School tuition depends on the grade the child is attending. Discounts are given for siblings and are supplemented with the other types of financial assistance. The school’s enrollment process includes a statement of faith, interview, and student’s assessment. The school’s calendar includes mission trips and days of service.
Horizon Christian High School is accredited by Cognia and meets the requirements for graduation of the Oregon State Department of Education.
Riverdale Country School
Riverdale Country School teaches children from pre-kindergarten up to the 12th grade. Curriculum in Riverdale includes humanities, sciences, arts, and technology. Advanced Placement (AP) and honors classes are available. Riverdale Country School maintains a unique “growth mindset”, which encourages equality and a love of learning in the students.
Riverdale Country School is dedicated to social responsibility through environmental commitment and community engagement projects.
The Nueva School
The Nueva School is an independent pre-K through 12th-grade school. Nueva School follows a curriculum of project-based work, improving creativity and learning through practical experience. Advanced programs in science, math, humanities, and the arts, as well as AP courses, are provided at Nueva School. The school offers various extracurricular activities, such as athletics, debate team, music, and robotics.
St. John’s School
St. John’s School is an independent K-12 school. AP and honors courses available in St. John’s School for those students who need an additional level of academic challenge. The atmosphere at St. John’s is focused on college preparation and developing leadership skills. Extracurricular activities range from athletics to debate, arts, and community service. St. John’s offers a financial aid program.
The Pingry School
The Pingry School is an independent K-12 school. The Pingry School’s curriculum includes comprehensive course offerings within the humanities, sciences, mathematics, and the arts. The curriculum is complemented by AP and honors classes. Admission to Pingry is possible through financial aid.
