Directories

Some states do not have their own private school associations. Schools band together across state lines forming regional associations. These associations have the same purpose as state and national associations which is promote private schools and to share latest and best practices. Also included are several associations in major metropolitan areas.

• Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington
• Association of Independent Schools of New England
• Cleveland Council of Independent Schools
• Fairchester Independent Schools
• Independent Schools Association of the Central States
• Independent Schools Association of Northern New England
• Independent Schools Association of the Southwest
• Long Island Association of Private Schools and Day Camps
• Los Angeles Area Schools
• New York Interschool
• Pacific Northwestern Association of Independent Schools
• Southern Association of Independent Schools
• Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools
• Western Boarding School Association

Most private schools belong to state associations. Besides the 'strength in numbers' which benefits them in state and local issues, schools learn from each other through seminars, workshops and conferences. State associations often provide listings of open houses and employment opportunities. Find out whether the schools in which you are interested belong.

• Advancement for Delaware Valley Independent Schools
• Alabama Independent School Association
• Association of Colorado Independent Schools
• Association of Independent Maryland Schools
• Association of Independent Michigan Schools
• Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington
• California Association of Independent Schools
• Connecticut Association of Independent Schools
• Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools
• Florida Council of Independent Schools
• Georgia Independent School Association
• Hawaii Association of Independent Schools
• The Minnesota Independent School Forum
• New Jersey Association of Independent Schools
• New York State Association of Independent Schools
• North Carolina Association of Independent Schools
• North Carolina Christian Schools Association
• Ohio Association of Independent Schools
• Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools
• South Carolina Independent Schools Association
• Tennessee Association of Independent Schools
• Virginia Association of Independent Schools
• Washington Federation of Independent Schools

Most private schools will claim to be a member of several national associations. These links will help you do your own due diligence to confirm that claim. They are also very useful for finding a specific kind of school in your area. Schools which are members of national associations inspire confidence because they are privy to the latest and best in private education.

This short video featuring a prominent private school head of school illustrates the purpose of private school education.

• American Association of Christian Schools
• American Montessori Society
• The Association of Boarding Schools
• Association of Christian Schools International
• Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the U.S.
• Association of Waldorf Schools of North America
• Catholic Boarding Schools Association
• Council for American Private Education
• Department of Defense Schools
• The Friends Council on Education
• Islamic Schools League of America
• Jesuit Secondary Education Association
• National Association of Episcopal Schools
• National Association of Independent Schools
• National Association of Private Catholic and Independent Schools
• National Association of Private Schools for Exceptional Children
• National Association of Street Schools
• National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs
• National Catholic Educational Association
• National Coalition of Girls Schools
• National Independent Private Schools Association
• National Lutheran School Association

You would think that finding out how one private school compares to another would be a no-brainer, right? In a consumer-driven age where we can find out information instantly, it is still very difficult and very tedious to find out how one private school compares to another. In other words, there is no easy answer to the question parents ask most often: “What is the best school in _______?”

Why is it so hard to get answers? For two reasons. First of all, the private schools themselves circle their wagons and will not participate in any survey which tries to rank schools. The private school community refuses to engage in the sort of annual publicity stunt which U.S. News and World Report and other publications put out for colleges and universities every year

Secondly, private schools don't receive any direct public funding. As a result, they are not subject to the kind of reporting requirements with which public schools must comply. NCLB (No Child Left Behind) does not apply to private schools, only to public schools.

The federal Department of Education does maintain data on private schools. The Private School Universe Survey (PSS) supplies statistical information about K-12 private schools. The PSS does not rank schools. It merely helps you determine how many Montessori schools are located in Montana. It is useful for policymakers and planners who need to know how many students go to private schools as opposed to public schools. It