Learn about the differences between private and public schools and how to choose the right private school for your children with the help of this video guide to a private school education.

Video Transcription

Guide to Private Schools. There are many types: Boarding schools, junior boarding schools, coed, single sex, special needs, therapeutic and military private schools. Or simply: religious or non-religious. Either way, not cheap. They can cost as much as $30,000 a year – more than some private university tuition. But many schools provide financial aid and scholarships. They can begin in pre-kindergarten, first grade, middle school or high school. 24% of all elementary and secondary schools in the United States are private. That’s a big number. More than 10% of our High School students in the U.S. attend private schools. Approximately 85% of all private school students attend religious schools and half of those are Catholic. Most schools will require admission testing, usually in the form of the SSAT or ISEE. Public vs. Private Schools Smaller classes, higher ratio of teachers to students, and better facilities. Always consider a private by the student to teacher ratio. Visit the school and sit in on a class. Compare the statistics with other private schools you are considering along with your public school system. Most schools seek a diversity of students that resembles the population in their communities. And remember when applying, it’s most competitive to enter private school at kindergarten, first grade, sixth grade, and ninth grade.