Types of private schools: how they differ

Updated October 14, 2026

About two in three U.S. private schools have a religious affiliation; the rest are nonreligious. Here's what the main kinds are like. Every school is different, so visit and ask.

Catholic schools

The largest group of private schools. Most are parish schools run by a local parish, or diocesan schools run by the diocese; some are independent Catholic schools run by a religious order or their own board. Many have long histories and welcome students of every faith. Browse by diocese.

Christian schools

Protestant, Orthodox and nondenominational Christian schools, from Lutheran, Baptist, Episcopal and Adventist schools to independent Christian academies. Faith is usually part of daily life and classes.

Jewish day schools

Jewish day schools, yeshivas and Hebrew academies teach general subjects alongside Jewish studies and Hebrew. They range from Orthodox to community schools.

Islamic schools

Full-time schools that teach general subjects alongside Islamic studies, Arabic and Quran.

Independent schools

Nonreligious private schools run by their own boards. Many are members of the National Association of Independent Schools or a state association.

Montessori schools

Classrooms mix ages, and children choose hands-on work at their own pace with a teacher's guidance. Most Montessori schools serve young children, and many go through elementary school.

Waldorf schools

A creative, arts-rich approach that brings in academics gradually, with the same teacher often staying with a class for several years.

Classical schools

Built on the classical model (often called the "trivium"): grammar, logic and rhetoric, with a lot of reading of great books. Many are Christian.

Special education schools

Schools whose main purpose is serving students with disabilities or learning differences, often with small classes and therapists on staff.

Boarding schools

Students live at school during the term. Most are high schools.