How to choose a private school
Updated October 14, 2026
Choosing a school is a big decision, but it gets easier when you take it one step at a time. Start with your child, not with a ranking.
1. Write down what matters most
Before you look at any school, list the three or four things that matter most to your family. For example:
- Faith: a school of your religious tradition, or a nonreligious one
- Size: a small school where everyone knows your child, or a bigger one with more activities
- Grades: one school from pre-K through 8th grade, or through 12th
- Support: help for a learning difference, or more challenge for an advanced student
- Practical needs: distance, school hours, before- and after-school care, transportation
2. Make a short list
Search near you and use the filters for type of school, grades and size. Save the schools that look right with the heart button, then compare up to three side by side. Aim for three to five schools to visit.
3. Look at the numbers, then look past them
Our school pages show the facts from the U.S. Department of Education's private school survey: grades, number of students, students per teacher, religious affiliation, the school day and year, and, for high schools, how many graduates went to four-year colleges. These help you compare, but they don't tell you how a school feels. Only a visit does that.
4. Visit, and bring your questions
Go to an open house or ask for a tour, ideally while classes are running. Watch how teachers talk to students, and how students treat each other. Bring our list of questions to ask, including the ones about cost.
5. Work out the real cost
Ask each school for tuition and every fee, and ask about financial aid, sibling discounts and payment plans. Then check whether your state has an education savings account, voucher or tax credit that can help, and whether the school takes part.
6. Ask your child
For older children especially, a shadow day (spending a day at the school) is one of the best ways to decide. Ask them how it felt.