Ad
GreatSchools: The Parents' Guide to K-12 Success
AD
Frequently Asked Questions About Private Schools
Learn more about the private school profiles listed on GreatSchools.net, where to find more information about private schools and links to helpful resources.
By Jesse James, GreatSchools.net staff
Where can I find private school information on GreatSchools.net?

GreatSchools.net lists all private schools that are registered with the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) on our site. You can find private schools by school name, district, city, county or address by using the search box at the top of your state's homepage.

Our site will generate a list of all schools in the geographic area you choose. You can click on "Private Schools" at the top of the list to jump directly to our listings for private schools, then click on a school name to view its profile.

Why does GreatSchools.net have less information about private schools than about public schools?

GreatSchools.net has less detailed School Profiles for private schools than for public schools because public schools are funded with tax dollars and, therefore, are required to report detailed data, including test scores, class size, attendance and graduation rates. Private schools, which are not funded with public money, do not have to report data about their schools or make it available to the public. GreatSchools.net accesses information about public schools from individual state departments of education and national organizations such as the National Center for Education Statistics and the American Institutes for Research, but these organizations do not have information about private schools.

Where can I find data about private schools, such as test scores, student demographics and teacher experience?

Your best bet is to contact the schools individually. You can find contact information about private schools on the school profiles listed on our site or on the Web sites listed below.

Articles about private school education:
Private vs. Public Schools: What's the Difference?

Online resources about private schools:

Email us your feedback
Name (optional):   

Email (optional):    

Yes, I agree to the GreatSchools Terms of Use and give GreatSchools permission to post my comments for other parents to read. Note: Your email address is required if you would like a response from GreatSchools.net.
Comments From GreatSchools.net Users
03/18/2004:
"There are some loans for private schools. For information on the program offered by the Student Loan Network, visit: "
01/15/2004:
"My husband and I don't qualify for financial assistance but still found our daughter's Montessori School a little out of our price range. I talked to the Director and she was very willing to work with me by giving me a 'discount' based upon volunteer time I was willing to perform. We got $100/month off tuition just by me helping with crafts (at home) and acting as a teacher's aide one morning a week. The director gave me options for tuition discounts based upon how much I was willing to volunteer at the school. I loved being in the classroom and getting to know my daughter's classmates and knowing what goes on at school. Not to mention it helped financially. My daughter's current Montessori is not so flexible but does offer scholarships for those with financial need and a 'Bingo Kitchen' where we can volunteer for a tuition break. "
07/8/2003:
"I have heard and attempting to see how this works. In attempt of taking my dysfuntional finances and creating a 'Freedom' budget I contacted Crown Financial Ministries. Who in turn gave me several suggestions including 'You can contact the Children’s Scholarship Fund (www.scholarshipfund.org) that offers tuition assistance for needy families; however, this organization receives a high volume of applications for scholarships.” I missed the June 13, 2003 deadline but I plan on being active with this organization. "
04/22/2003:
"I received a private school scholarship for $12,000.00-But it was because of football. I found out what school I wanted to go to and told them I was interested and to come see me play pop warner football so they can see what I had to offer and they gave me one. But for most schools (private) if you meet the pricipal/administrator and talk to them tell them your interested in a scholarship program and show them what you have to offer to the school. "
04/16/2003:
"Although your question is older. There is really no scholarship money out there for private schools. Beleive me I have searched high and low and to no avail. I did order a book by Laurie Blum, 'Free Money for Private Schools'. It's an older book (1991), but it probably will have some helpful information on it. I've done major searches on the internet and haven't come up with much. My son is in a private school and my daughter is set to begin during the 2004-2005 school year. Unfortunately, I don't know if I can afford to send both of them due to the fact that the tuition is too high. Although it is a great school and my son LOVES it. Who knows, maybe I'll win the lottery and then all of my school tuition problems will be over. "
03/10/2003:
"Where can I find ways for solarship money for private schools? Please help! "
tracker