Starting a Private School: 2025 Guide
Introduction
Starting a private school has always been both ambitious and rewarding. In 2025, the path is clearer than ever—but it is also more complex, shaped by state regulations, rising tuition, community needs, and growing expectations for technology and inclusivity. For educators, entrepreneurs, or mission-driven leaders, starting a private school requires vision, meticulous planning, and a strong understanding of today’s educational landscape.
This guide offers a step-by-step look at how to start a private school in 2025, with insights into legal structures, accreditation, funding, tuition, staffing, and sustainability.
1. Clarify Your Mission and Model
The very first step in starting a private school is defining your mission. Are you launching a Montessori-inspired early childhood center, a college-preparatory high school, or a faith-based academy? A well-defined mission not only guides your curriculum and culture but also attracts families aligned with your vision.
Your educational model—whether traditional, project-based, or a micro-school approach—should be clear from the beginning. Schools that thrive are those that can articulate not just what they teach, but why they exist.
2. Legal Structure and Regulation
Starting a private school in the U.S. requires compliance with state—not federal—law. The U.S. Department of Education provides a useful overview of state regulations for private and home schools.
Key decisions include whether your school will operate as a nonprofit 501(c)(3), a for-profit corporation, or a limited liability company. Nonprofits benefit from tax-exempt status and eligibility for grants, while for-profit schools may allow greater flexibility but face different financial and oversight rules.
Each state sets requirements for opening, from curriculum standards to health and safety codes. For example, the Florida Department of Education mandates that new private schools register with the DOE and report annual enrollment figures.
3. Accreditation and Quality Assurance
While accreditation is not legally required in every state, it remains critical to credibility and growth. Families often expect it, and it can affect college admissions and transfer credit recognition.
The National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA) works with multiple accrediting bodies, ensuring that private schools meet rigorous academic and operational standards. Accreditation also demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement—something parents increasingly demand when evaluating new schools.
4. Budgeting and Startup Costs
Perhaps the biggest hurdle in starting a private school is funding. Costs vary widely depending on size, location, and facilities, but estimates suggest starting a private school can require $300,000 to $900,000 or more.
Expenses often include:
Leasing or renovating facilities
Classroom furniture, technology, and supplies
Licensing, insurance, and accreditation fees
Staff salaries and benefits
Marketing and enrollment outreach
According to the Education Data Initiative, the national average private school tuition in 2025 is just under $13,300 per year. While elite schools charge far more, many new schools adopt modest tuition to attract families while establishing their reputation.
A sustainable financial model typically blends tuition revenue, fundraising campaigns, and in some cases, philanthropic donations. A five-year business plan is essential for anticipating both revenue and costs.
5. Staffing and Curriculum Development
Strong teachers bring a school’s mission to life. When starting a private school, prioritize hiring educators who align with your values and are willing to adapt to a startup environment, where roles may overlap in the early years.
Curriculum development should reflect your educational philosophy. Some schools adopt widely recognized frameworks like International Baccalaureate or Advanced Placement. Others design their own, emphasizing project-based learning, technology integration, or classical liberal arts. The flexibility of private education allows founders to design programs that serve their specific community.
6. Admissions, Marketing, and Outreach
Starting a private school is only sustainable if families enroll and stay. Successful schools communicate transparently about tuition, culture, and expectations. Many new schools hold open houses, engage with local media, and use social media to share their stories.
Parents often compare options before committing. Our Private vs. Public Schools: 2025 Guide highlights trends in enrollment, tuition, and outcomes that can help families weigh their decision.
7. Real-World Example: Burhan Academy
One illustrative example is the Burhan Academy in Elgin, Illinois. Founded in 2024, the school opened with about 100 students across pre-K to grade 3. By 2025–26, it expects to enroll 250 students. Tuition averages $5,000 annually, well below the national private school average, reflecting its mission to remain accessible.
This example underscores how starting a private school can succeed when mission, tuition strategy, and community needs align.
8. Compliance and Sustainability
After opening, the work doesn’t stop. Compliance with state reporting requirements, accreditation renewals, and financial audits is essential. Schools must also adapt to enrollment shifts, tuition affordability concerns, and the changing educational landscape.
Forward-looking founders invest in technology for both instruction and administration, strengthen partnerships with their communities, and create long-term development plans. By planning for growth and challenges, schools avoid the “startup stall” that can occur after the first few years.
Conclusion
Starting a private school in 2025 is a complex but deeply rewarding endeavor. From crafting a mission and selecting a legal structure to budgeting, hiring, and achieving accreditation, each decision shapes the school’s long-term success.
With tuition costs rising, state regulations evolving, and families demanding both academic excellence and innovation, founders must balance vision with practicality. Yet, as examples like Burhan Academy show, with the right mission, planning, and community engagement, starting a private school can transform both students’ lives and the broader community.
