Private School Review - Established 2003

Most Selective Private Schools (2025-26)

The national average private school acceptance rate is 81% per year (2025-26).
The private elementary school average acceptance rate is 81% per year and the private high school average is 79% per year.
The state with the highest average private school acceptance rate is Alaska with 94%. The state with the lowest average private school acceptance rate is District Of Columbia with 47%.
Acceptance Rate Range: 47% 94% Avg. Acceptance Rate: 81%

Most Selective Private Schools (2025-26)

State
Average Acceptance Rate
(Total / High Schools / Elementary)
Most Selective Schools
(Acceptance Rate)
Rank: #11.
District Of Columbia
47% / 41% / 44%
Rank: #22.
Vermont
70% / 69% / 74%
Rank: #3-43-4.
Connecticut
71% / 65% / 73%
Rank: #3-43-4.
Massachusetts
71% / 62% / 73%
Rank: #55.
New Hampshire
72% / 70% / 78%
Rank: #66.
New York
74% / 73% / 75%
Rank: #77.
Maine
75% / 74% / 73%
Rank: #88.
Rhode Island
76% / 63% / 80%
Rank: #9-119-11.
Hawaii
77% / 79% / 77%
Rank: #9-119-11.
New Jersey
77% / 73% / 76%
Rank: #9-119-11.
Wyoming
77% / 0% / 77%
Rank: #12-1312-13.
Georgia
78% / 78% / 78%
Rank: #12-1312-13.
Maryland
78% / 77% / 78%
Rank: #14-1514-15.
South Dakota
79% / 78% / 77%
Rank: #14-1514-15.
Virginia
79% / 80% / 79%
Rank: #16-1816-18.
California
80% / 78% / 81%
Rank: #16-1816-18.
Kansas
80% / 74% / 80%
Rank: #16-1816-18.
North Carolina
80% / 81% / 80%
Rank: #19-2219-22.
Florida
81% / 81% / 80%
Rank: #19-2219-22.
Pennsylvania
81% / 79% / 80%
Rank: #19-2219-22.
Utah
81% / 81% / 79%
Rank: #19-2219-22.
West Virginia
81% / 85% / 81%
Rank: #23-2523-25.
North Dakota
82% / 0% / 79%
Rank: #23-2523-25.
Texas
82% / 82% / 82%
Rank: #23-2523-25.
Washington
82% / 83% / 80%
Rank: #26-2826-28.
Indiana
83% / 80% / 82%
Rank: #26-2826-28.
Oregon
83% / 80% / 81%
Rank: #26-2826-28.
Tennessee
83% / 85% / 83%
Rank: #29-3329-33.
Colorado
84% / 82% / 84%
Rank: #29-3329-33.
Illinois
84% / 81% / 85%
Rank: #29-3329-33.
Kentucky
84% / 81% / 83%
Rank: #29-3329-33.
Louisiana
84% / 80% / 84%
Rank: #29-3329-33.
New Mexico
84% / 80% / 85%
Rank: #34-4034-40.
Arkansas
85% / 87% / 85%
Rank: #34-4034-40.
Delaware
85% / 87% / 90%
Rank: #34-4034-40.
Iowa
85% / 82% / 84%
Rank: #34-4034-40.
Missouri
85% / 85% / 83%
Rank: #34-4034-40.
Montana
85% / 91% / 89%
Rank: #34-4034-40.
Ohio
85% / 83% / 84%
Rank: #34-4034-40.
Oklahoma
85% / 80% / 88%
Rank: #41-4341-43.
Alabama
86% / 87% / 87%
Rank: #41-4341-43.
Minnesota
86% / 81% / 87%
Rank: #41-4341-43.
Mississippi
86% / 88% / 86%
Rank: #44-4644-46.
Arizona
87% / 83% / 86%
Rank: #44-4644-46.
Idaho
87% / 85% / 87%
Rank: #44-4644-46.
South Carolina
87% / 89% / 88%
Rank: #47-4947-49.
Michigan
88% / 85% / 88%
Rank: #47-4947-49.
Nevada
88% / 91% / 88%
Rank: #47-4947-49.
Wisconsin
88% / 83% / 89%
Rank: #5050.
Nebraska
90% / 88% / 93%
Rank: #5151.
Alaska
94% / 94% / 93%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the national average private school acceptance rate?
The national average private school acceptance rate is 81% for 2025-26.
What are the most selective private schools in the United States?
The most selective private schools in the United States include Somerset Hills Learning Institute, West Covina KinderCare and Our Savior Lutheran School.
What is the state with the highest average private school acceptance rate?
The state with the highest average private school acceptance rate is Alaska.

Recent Articles

Transferring from Public to Private School Mid-Year: What to Expect
Transferring from Public to Private School Mid-Year: What to Expect
Considering a mid-year transfer from public to private school? Learn what to expect with admissions, academic placement, social adjustment, and financial aid to ensure a smooth transition.
A Guide to Day vs. Boarding School: Which Is Right for Your Family
A Guide to Day vs. Boarding School: Which Is Right for Your Family
Discover the key differences between day and boarding schools to determine the best fit for your child. Explore benefits, costs, lifestyle factors, and questions to help guide your family’s decision.
The A to Z of Private Schools 2025
The A to Z of Private Schools 2025
Explore the A to Z of private schools in 2025—from admissions to tuition—offering parents and educators clear insights into today’s options.

Did You Know?

The town with the lowest private school acceptance rate is Gainesville, FL with an average acceptance rate of 65%. The county with the lowest private school acceptance rate is Santa Barbara County, CA with an average acceptance rate of 67%.