Private School Review - Established 2003

Most Selective Private Schools (2025)

The national average private school acceptance rate is 81% per year (2025).
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 Nebraska with 90%. The state with the lowest average private school acceptance rate is District Of Columbia with 47%.
Acceptance Rate Range: 47% 90% Avg. Acceptance Rate: 81%

Most Selective Private Schools (2025)

State
Average Acceptance Rate
(Total / High Schools / Elementary)
Most Selective Schools
(Acceptance Rate)
Rank: #11.
District Of Columbia
47% / 41% / 44%
Rank: #22.
Vermont
69% / 67% / 74%
Rank: #3-43-4.
Connecticut
70% / 65% / 71%
Rank: #3-43-4.
New Hampshire
70% / 70% / 76%
Rank: #55.
Massachusetts
71% / 62% / 73%
Rank: #6-76-7.
Maine
74% / 73% / 73%
Rank: #6-76-7.
New York
74% / 72% / 74%
Rank: #8-118-11.
Hawaii
77% / 79% / 77%
Rank: #8-118-11.
New Jersey
77% / 73% / 76%
Rank: #8-118-11.
Rhode Island
77% / 66% / 81%
Rank: #8-118-11.
Wyoming
77% / 0% / 77%
Rank: #12-1312-13.
Georgia
78% / 78% / 78%
Rank: #12-1312-13.
Maryland
78% / 78% / 78%
Rank: #14-1614-16.
Kansas
79% / 73% / 80%
Rank: #14-1614-16.
South Dakota
79% / 78% / 77%
Rank: #14-1614-16.
Virginia
79% / 81% / 80%
Rank: #17-1917-19.
California
80% / 78% / 81%
Rank: #17-1917-19.
North Carolina
80% / 80% / 79%
Rank: #17-1917-19.
Utah
80% / 81% / 78%
Rank: #20-2320-23.
Florida
81% / 81% / 80%
Rank: #20-2320-23.
Pennsylvania
81% / 79% / 81%
Rank: #20-2320-23.
Washington
81% / 82% / 80%
Rank: #20-2320-23.
West Virginia
81% / 85% / 81%
Rank: #24-2524-25.
North Dakota
82% / 0% / 79%
Rank: #24-2524-25.
Oregon
82% / 79% / 81%
Rank: #26-3026-30.
Colorado
83% / 81% / 82%
Rank: #26-3026-30.
Indiana
83% / 80% / 82%
Rank: #26-3026-30.
Oklahoma
83% / 78% / 87%
Rank: #26-3026-30.
Tennessee
83% / 85% / 83%
Rank: #26-3026-30.
Texas
83% / 83% / 83%
Rank: #31-3331-33.
Illinois
84% / 81% / 84%
Rank: #31-3331-33.
Louisiana
84% / 80% / 84%
Rank: #31-3331-33.
New Mexico
84% / 80% / 85%
Rank: #34-3834-38.
Arkansas
85% / 87% / 85%
Rank: #34-3834-38.
Kentucky
85% / 82% / 84%
Rank: #34-3834-38.
Missouri
85% / 85% / 84%
Rank: #34-3834-38.
Montana
85% / 91% / 89%
Rank: #34-3834-38.
Ohio
85% / 83% / 84%
Rank: #39-4339-43.
Alabama
86% / 87% / 87%
Rank: #39-4339-43.
Delaware
86% / 88% / 90%
Rank: #39-4339-43.
Iowa
86% / 84% / 85%
Rank: #39-4339-43.
Minnesota
86% / 81% / 87%
Rank: #39-4339-43.
Mississippi
86% / 88% / 86%
Rank: #44-4644-46.
Arizona
87% / 84% / 86%
Rank: #44-4644-46.
Idaho
87% / 86% / 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: #50-5150-51.
Alaska
90% / 88% / 89%
Rank: #50-5150-51.
Nebraska
90% / 88% / 93%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the national average private school acceptance rate?
The national average private school acceptance rate is 81% for 2025.
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 Nebraska.

Recent Articles

Is It Easier to Land a Private School Job When You're Already Employed?
Is It Easier to Land a Private School Job When You're Already Employed?
Is it easier to land a private school job when you're already employed? This article breaks down employer biases, networking advantages, and negotiation leverage—plus the latest hiring trends in independent schools. If you’re considering a move, here’s how to maximize your position.
How to Secure a Private School Job When You're Unemployed Without the Stigma
How to Secure a Private School Job When You're Unemployed Without the Stigma
Finding a private school job while unemployed can be tough, but it doesn't have to hold you back. This article breaks down networking strategies, ways to stand out, and smart approaches to keep your confidence strong. Learn how to turn setbacks into strengths and secure the right opportunity—without the stigma.
The Private School Job Hunt: Insider Tips for Employed & Unemployed Educators
The Private School Job Hunt: Insider Tips for Employed & Unemployed Educators
Navigating the private school job market? Whether you're employed or unemployed, the right strategy can make all the difference. This article breaks down essential steps to keep your resume sharp, expand your network, and stay visible in the education community. Learn insider tips to position yourself for success in private schools.

Did You Know?

The town with the lowest private school acceptance rate is Atlanta, GA with an average acceptance rate of 64%. The county with the lowest private school acceptance rate is Santa Barbara County, CA with an average acceptance rate of 67%.