Private or independent schools are those that are sponsored by
non-government entities. Almost all private schools in the United States
have non-profit status. This means that they are exempt from taxes and
pursue an educational mission rather than profit. Although many people
think of prestigious boarding schools when the term private school is
mentioned, few private schools mirror this design. In fact, almost 50% of
private school students attend Catholic day schools, usually located in
urban centers, and about 80% attend religious schools (National Center for
Education Statistics, 2000). To attend any private or independent school,
students must pay tuition. However, non-profit schools do not seek to make
profits, but rather to cover their costs. All private schools are subject
to state regulation, but usually under loose conditions, which free them to
promote the beliefs, values, and practices they favor.
Why are private schools controversial?
Public school advocates fear private schools promote inequality and
encourage families to withdraw from the responsibilities of citizenship,
although few would deny the right of parents to send their child to a
private school. Controversy arises when non-profit schools are allowed to
benefit from public dollars. For example, publicly-funded voucher programs
allow families to use tax-payer money to pay for private school tuitions.
Non-profit schools are often described as models for the privatization of
public schools, and therefore remain central to current debates about
public schooling. The potential advantages and disadvantages of private
schools are listed below.
What are the possible advantages of private schools?
- Innovation and Flexibility. With reduced state
regulations, non-profit schools can experiment to develop programs and
practices best suited for their students.
- Increased Choice. Private schools offer parents an
alternative to their local public school and the opportunity to find a
community with similar values.
- Increased Competition. Private schools must attract
their students. They are forced to improve and succeed, because of this
competition.
- Responsive to Clientele. Private schools view parents
and students as clients. Therefore, they must respond to their needs and
concerns.
What are the possible disadvantages of private schools?
- Increased Inequality. Private schools require tuition
and use selective admissions processes, which segregate student
populations.
- Lack of Social Cohesion. Private schools work with an
isolated student population and often promote specific values, which
prohibit public discourse.
- Limited Regulation. Reduced regulation over private
schools allows for the implementation of programs that educators may find
objectionable.
- Institutional Bias. Private schools that have existed
for a long time or are supported by established organizations may reject
new ideas and practices.
What is the size of the private school sector?
Approximately 5,953,000 students attend 27,223 non-profit schools. This
comprises 11% of all students and 23% of all schools in the United States
(National Center for Education Statistics, 2000). Most non-profit schools
are small, located in urban centers, and possess a religious affiliation.
About 80% of non-profit schools enroll less than 300 students (National
Center for Education Statistics, 2000). Achievement studies of private
schools show mixed results, although some show a slight advantage over
public schools with comparable students. The following two charts detail
average tuition costs and common religious affiliations of non-profit
schools.
Average Private School Tuition: 1999-2000
| |
All Levels |
Elementary |
Secondary |
K-12 Schools |
| All Schools |
$4,689 |
$3,267 |
$6,053 |
$6,779 |
| Catholic |
$3,236 |
$2,451 |
$4,845 |
$6,780 |
| Other Religious |
$4,063 |
$3,503 |
$6,536 |
$4,260 |
| Non-Sectarian |
$10,992 |
$7,884 |
$14,638 |
$12,363 |
Source: Table 61, Digest of Education Statistics 2002,
National Center for Education Statistics
Where do Private School Students go to School?
| |
89-90 |
99-00 |
| Catholic |
54.5% |
48.6% |
| Non-Sectarian |
13.2% |
15.7% |
| Conservative Christian |
10.9% |
15.0% |
| Baptist |
5.8% |
6.1% |
| Lutheran |
4.4% |
4.3% |
| Jewish |
3.2% |
3.3% |
| Other |
4.5% |
4.5% |
Source: Table 1, Private School Universe Survey: 1999-2000,
National Center for Education Statistics.
Where can I find out more about private schools?
Information about private schools located on the NCSPE website can be
found at http://www.ncspe.org/inforead.php?mysub=3
Books reviewing private schools are few; for an excellent review of
private Catholic schools, see:
Sander, William. 2001. Catholic Schools: Private and Social Effects.
Boston, MA: Kluwer Academic Publishers.
For additional information from internet resources see:
The National Center for Education Statistics at:ttp://.nces.ed.gov
The Council for American Private Education– an advocate for private
education– at: http://www.capenet.org
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Reprinted with the permission of the National Center for the Study of Privatization in Education.
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