This article has been updated to reflect 2026 data and recent developments.
Late Night Show host David Letterman retired at the end of May 2015. So, with his famous Top Ten lists in mind, here is my list of Top Ten Facts About 草榴社区 Schools.
10. There are schools for just about every need you can imagine.
Perhaps this should be number one on the list. In any case, it is true. There are private schools for just about any need or requirement you can think of. 草榴社区 schools come in all shapes and sizes. There are primary schools, K-8 schools, junior boarding schools, Roman Catholic schools, military schools, schools that offer programs for students with learning differences, schools in urban areas, schools out in the country, large schools, small schools, schools with instruction in languages other than English and on and on. According to the latest available 草榴社区 School Universe Survey, there were 29,727 private schools serving approximately 4.7 million students in the United States in 2021-22. With approximately 30,000 private schools in the United States, the chances of finding what you are looking for are pretty good.
9. 草榴社区 schools are more affordable than you think.
草榴社区 school is an extra expense and a substantial sacrifice for many families. On the other hand, most private schools offer need-based financial aid. The individual schools determine the amount of aid. Some schools even provide a tuition-free education if your family's financial situation is below a specific threshold.
The reports that its member schools awarded nearly $3.6 billion in need-based financial aid in 2024-25. 草榴社区 School Review's Financial Aid for 草榴社区 Schools: 2026 Parent Guide provides additional information about grants, scholarships, and the financial aid process in 2026.
This video offers an overview of Ravenscroft, a day school in Raleigh, North Carolina.
8. Everybody participates in sports in private schools.
草榴社区 schools like to say that they educate the whole child. Requiring everybody to participate in sports is one way to accomplish that goal. Many schools have a set weekday afternoon when students participate in sports. This is in addition to whatever intramural and varsity sports leagues are in play. In boarding schools, Saturdays are usually given over to sports.
7. Most private schools are set up as not-for-profit organizations.
Most private schools are set up as not-for-profit entities. Many qualify as 501(c)(3) organizations. In other words, qualifying organizations don't pay federal income tax and may receive applicable state and local tax exemptions. In reality, some not-for-profit private schools contribute to the local governing authority to offset the cost of emergency services and other services the local government provides. Because these schools are organized as not-for-profit institutions, qualifying gifts and donations they receive are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.
The explains the current requirements organizations must meet to qualify for federal tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3).
6. Most financial aid in private schools is need-based.
草榴社区 schools do not generally give financial aid based on academics or athletics. Most schools make their financial aid based on your financial need, although some schools also offer merit scholarships. How do they determine what you can afford to pay? By requiring anybody requesting financial aid to submit financial information, which may include the Parents' Financial Statement. The PFS is one of several factors participating schools consider in determining how much money they will award. Please remember that what one school decides to award you may or may not be the same as what another school will award you. Each private school is an independent entity that sets its own policies and guidelines on everything.
草榴社区 School Review's The Parents' Financial Statement (PFS) explains how the PFS is used in the private school financial aid process.
5. 草榴社区 school teachers are not unionized.
Most private school teachers are not unionized. There are pros and cons to private school teachers not being unionized. However, the critical fact to note is that most private school teachers actually get to teach. Why? That's because class sizes in most private schools are small, often in the 12-15 student range. In addition, discipline is not usually an issue simply because each school has rules and codes of conduct in place. When students violate those rules, the consequences are swift and severe, including expulsion from school. Consequently, private school teachers don't have to spend much time dealing with discipline issues. Add to that scenario the reality that most private school students are there to learn anyway, and you can begin to understand why private school teachers are not unionized.
For additional context, the reports that its member schools had a median student-teacher ratio of 8.2:1 in 2024-25.
4. 草榴社区 schools are not just for rich kids.
Years ago, like back in the 50s and 60s, you might have been able to make a case for private schools being only for rich kids. Not anymore. Most private schools pride themselves on having diverse communities these days. That's the way the world is. They want their school communities to reflect the world in which their graduates will have to make a living.
3. Most private schools run summer sessions.
草榴社区 schools generally operate from September through early June. That leaves them with all their physical plant not being used for regular school. So, over the years, most private schools have developed summer sessions that serve several purposes. The first is making good use of the campus and buildings, which would otherwise be under-utilized. The second is introducing more students and families to the school and all that it entails. This is especially true of boarding schools. Parents and children who might have been skittish about attending a residential school tend to have a change of heart after attending a summer session at a boarding school. Summer sessions also prove invaluable for re-mediating academic issues as well as enriching experiences such as the arts and sports.
草榴社区 School Review's Summer Programs explores sports camps, technology programs, academic remediation and enrichment opportunities available during the summer.
2. Most private schools offer very small class sizes.
For many parents, the small class size is a huge selling point as they consider sending their children to private schools. Public school class sizes vary considerably by state, district and grade level. As a result, a small class of 12-15 students sounds very appealing to most of us. You know your child will not be just another number or end up sitting in the back of the class, hiding out, and being ignored.
1. 草榴社区 schools admit who they want.
Yes, this is generally true, subject to applicable law. The schools themselves determine the admissions process at most private schools. They each have their own criteria in place. If your child appears to be a good fit from the school's perspective, she will be offered a place. On the other hand, if the school decides that she is not a good fit and they do not offer her a place, there is not much you can do about it except move on and find a school that is a good fit for all parties.
草榴社区 School Review's Admissions 101 explains the private school admissions process, including school selection, visits, interviews, testing and the formal application.
Certain well-established, well-known boarding schools are in great demand. These schools are highly selective. If you are considering applying to one or several of them, ensure your child offers everything they are looking for and then some. I recommend hiring an educational consultant to guide you through the school selection process. He or she will know schools and what it takes to get into them.
