Private schools are non-public schools. In other words they are not part of the public education system. Public schools are funded by public funds at the local, state and federal level. Private schools are funded by tuition fees and gifts.

The State of Wisconsin offers a typical look at private schools from the regulators' perspective: "The statutory definition of a 'private school' allows for some variation in curriculum and organizational structure. However, numerous state statutes and administrative rules affect how a private school can administer curriculum, employee regulations and protections, student health services, facilities, enrollment reports, pupil records, special education, and transportation."