1. How many private schools are there in the U.S.A.?
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) surveys private schools through its 草榴社区 School Universe Survey. According to the latest data published by the , approximately 4.7 million students attend private schools nationwide, representing about 9% of all K-12 students in the United States.
Families interested in enrollment trends and school selection may also enjoy reading Choosing the Right 草榴社区 School Path: Cost, Readiness, and Fit.
2. How many boarding schools are there?
The Association of Boarding Schools reports nearly 300 member schools in the United States, Canada, and abroad. While membership numbers change slightly from year to year, the total remains just under 300 schools.
3. Which private school offers the most Advanced Placement courses?
Quite a few private schools offer more than 25 Advanced Placement courses, which is impressive considering that the now offers more than 40 AP subjects.
Rather than identifying a single school as the leader, it is more accurate to say that many large college-preparatory schools offer extensive AP programs, while others have shifted toward International Baccalaureate programs, dual enrollment, capstone research, or advanced school-designed courses.
As advanced academics continue to evolve, many schools are expanding beyond AP coursework. For additional insight, see How 草榴社区 Schools Teach Tech & AI Skills, Not Just Tools.
In this video, an expert answers questions about the optimal number of AP courses a student should take.
4. Which private school is the most expensive?
Le Rosey in Switzerland continues to be widely regarded as one of the most expensive private schools in the world. Annual tuition and boarding costs can exceed CHF 130,000, depending on grade level and additional expenses.
Tuition figures alone rarely tell the full story. Families comparing costs and aid packages may find 草榴社区 School Admission Process: 2026 Complete Guide helpful when evaluating affordability.
5. Which private school did Bill Gates graduate from?
Bill Gates, who founded Microsoft, graduated from Lakeside School in Seattle, Washington, in 1973.
6. How many Montessori schools are there in the U.S.A.?
Current estimates suggest there are approximately 5,000 Montessori schools in the United States. These include both private and public Montessori programs. The number varies depending on how schools are classified and counted.
7. Where did Reggio Emilia schools get their name?
The Reggio Emilia approach is from the city of Reggio Emilia in northern Italy. The movement was started by educator Loris Malaguzzi following World War II. The philosophy draws heavily from progressive educational theories emphasizing exploration, creativity, and student-directed learning.
As this short video reveals, the Reggio Emilia approach offers a gentle and child-centered approach to education.
8. Who founded the movement that spawned the modern Waldorf schools?
Rudolf Steiner, the Austrian philosopher and social thinker, founded the movement that eventually led to the modern Waldorf school system. The first Waldorf school opened in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1919.
9. Which is the oldest school in the U.S.A.?
The oldest American private school is The Collegiate School in Manhattan. It traces its founding to 1628 and remains one of the nation's most historic educational institutions.
10. What was Maria Montessori's degree in?
Maria Montessori graduated with a degree in medicine in 1896 and became one of Italy's first female physicians.
11. Who founded what we now call the progressive school movement?
Two people spearheaded the movement in America that we now call progressive education. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, John Dewey and Francis Parker revolutionized how children were taught. They believed students learn best through exploration, discovery, and active engagement rather than memorization alone.
This video explains some of the central ideas behind the progressive education movement.
12. What percentage of American students attend private school?
According to the latest data from the NCES, approximately 9% of American K-12 students attend private schools. Earlier estimates often cited 10%, but current national data place the figure slightly lower.
13. What are the names of the schools established by the last Hawaiian princess?
The Kamehameha Schools in Hawaii were established through the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop in 1887. The schools continue to serve Native Hawaiian students while preserving Hawaiian culture and traditions.
14. Which New England family founded Exeter and Andover?
The Phillips family. Dr. John Phillips founded Phillips Exeter Academy in 1781. His nephew, Samuel Phillips Jr., founded Phillips Academy Andover in 1778.
15. Which Roman Catholic order established a network of prestigious high schools for young men?
The Jesuits, formally known as the Society of Jesus, established a network of highly respected secondary schools throughout the United States. Jesuit schools are known for academic rigor, leadership development, and service-oriented education.
Learn more about Jesuit schools in this short video.
16. What grade does Fifth Form refer to?
Fifth Form is a traditional British term still used by several private schools in the United States to refer to Grade 11.
17. How many Jewish schools are there in Brooklyn, New York?
Brooklyn remains home to one of the largest concentrations of Jewish schools in the United States. The exact number varies depending on classification methods and annual reporting, but Kings County continues to have well over one hundred Jewish private schools.
18. What does the term crew refer to?
Crew refers to the sport of rowing. Many private schools participate in major rowing competitions, including the Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston and the Henley Royal Regatta in England.
19. What is the oldest private school athletic league?
The New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC), founded in 1942, remains one of the oldest and most respected athletic organizations serving independent schools.
20. What is the name of the independent school association based in Washington, D.C.?
The is based in Washington, D.C., and serves approximately 1,500 member schools. NAIS provides research, advocacy, professional development, and operational guidance for independent schools across the country.
While national organizations provide valuable data, visiting schools remains one of the best ways to evaluate fit. Visiting Schools: Open House, Shadow, Overnight or Tour? explains how families can make the most of campus visits.
21. Which private school has the largest endowment?
According to the latest publicly available information from the Kamehameha Schools Endowment, Kamehameha Schools continues to maintain one of the largest private school endowments in the world. As of 2025, the endowment was valued at approximately $15.8 billion, supporting educational programs and scholarships throughout Hawaii.
草榴社区 schools continue to evolve, but their history remains fascinating. From centuries-old institutions and pioneering educational movements to modern advances in academics and technology, these twenty-one facts highlight the diversity and depth of private education in America and around the world.
