Private school

A private school, often called an independent school, is an educational institution not administered or funded by the government. Unlike public schools, these institutions do not depend on national or local government funding to maintain their financial endowment. Most private schools operate under a system of governance that ensures their independence. This is typically managed by a board of governors. These schools maintain the right to select their own students. They fund their operations primarily by charging tuition fees to families.

The mechanism of funding and admission sets private schools apart from the public sector. Because they do not rely on taxation, they must generate revenue through tuition. Some schools may offer scholarships to reduce these costs. Scholarships are often based on a student's specific talents, such as academic ability, art, or sports. They may also be based on financial need or available tax credit scholarships. This system allows schools to curate their student bodies.

Private schools vary significantly in type and purpose. Many are religiously affiliated, meaning they are connected to denominations like Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, or Judaism. Some teach religious education alongside standard academic subjects to share specific faith traditions. Others use religious labels simply to describe their founding beliefs. There are also parochial schools, a term often used for Roman Catholic institutions. Other types include boarding schools, military academies, and special assistance schools. Special assistance schools provide services tailored to individual needs, such as tutoring or support for disabled children.

Geography changes how the term "private school" is used. In North America, the term covers all levels from preschool to tertiary education, which includes universities. In the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries like Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, the term is usually restricted to primary and secondary levels. It is rarely used for universities in those regions. In India, they are frequently called independent schools. Some of these are "aided" if they receive government financial aid, while others are "unaided."

History shows that private education has long-standing roots. Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire was founded in 1781 and is one of the oldest boarding schools in the United States. In Australia, The King's School was established in 1831. In Germany, the right to create private schools is protected by the Grundgesetz, or basic law. This protection exists in Article 7, Paragraph 4. It was implemented to ensure these rights could not be suspended, even during a state of emergency.

Global statistics reveal different levels of private school participation. In the United States, roughly one in 10 families has chosen private enrollment over the last century. Australia has one of the highest rates of privatization in the world. There, 30 percent of primary students and over 40 percent of secondary students attend private schools. This is much higher than the OECD average of 18 percent. In Canada, about 5.6 percent of students were enrolled in private schools as of 1999. In Italy, about one-fifth of schools are private, serving one out of every 10 schoolchildren.

Costs and regulations also differ by nation and institution. In North America, annual K–12 tuition can range from nothing at tuition-free schools to over $45,000 at some New England preparatory schools. In Australia, some expensive schools can charge up to $500,000 for thirteen years of education. While many private schools avoid certain state regulations, most comply with rules regarding educational content to ensure quality. In Finland, schools offering instruction in languages other than the official ones may charge modest fees. These various systems show how private education interacts with different national laws and economic structures.