Private Schools

What is a Private School?

Private schools are not funded or operated by federal, state or local governments. They are not paid for by public tax dollars and are not subject to the regulations that govern public schools. However, most private schools choose not to stray too far from federal policies and strive to provide a quality of education equal to or better than that available in public schools. Unlike public schools, they are allowed to set their own criteria for admitting students and are not subject to the limits of school districts and zoning laws, allowing families to chose a private school regardless of their location. Private schools in the United States range from primary (elementary / middle) and secondary (high) schools to schools of higher education, such as colleges and vocational schools.

Many of the private primary and secondary schools in the United States were founded by religious institutions in order to incorporate religious beliefs and teachings into their students’ education, integrating it with a traditional academic curriculum. Some of the first religious schools were founded by the Catholic Church, and these parochial schools are still prevalent amongst private schools. Since then, however, many other religious denominations have started schools to provide religious education, and families often choose to enroll their children in schools whose policies reflect their own values. Nowadays, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, Orthodox Christian and other religiously based schools are quite common. In addition, some private schools, boarding schools and military academies, offer their own unique approaches to education.

Teaching at a Private School

The market for teaching jobs in private schools is more focused and a bit narrower than that of public schools, but there are still many opportunities available. As of 2008, there were approximately 33,700 private schools in the United States. In the fall of 2011, there were estimated to be about 5.8 million students attending private school.

Like public schools, private schools require their teachers to have, at minimum, a Bachelor’s degree, though a master’s in education or doctorate can be beneficial. Private schools also typically prefer degrees in specific subject areas over a general degree in education. Though private schools are not subject to federal or state regulations, and their teachers are thus generally not required to meet government requirements, some private schools still do require the same certification as public school teachers. Others require particular kinds of certification; for example, some Catholic schools require their teachers be certified by the NAPCIS Teacher Certification Program. Private school teachers are not required to have prior teaching experience, though some offer internships and teacher training. The Private School Review also offers job resources for teachers looking to teach in private schools, including links to religious and nonsectarian organizations.

Private School Teacher Salary

The National Center for Education Statistics lists the average base salary of all private school teachers as $36,300 as of 2008. Without unions or government regulations, private schools can negotiate specific salaries with their teachers. However, Catholic schools and nonsectarian schools generally pay a bit higher ($37,100 and $41,700 respectively). Teachers are also paid higher to teach in cities ($38,200) and secondary schools ($42,700). On average, public school teachers earn more money than private school teachers, though on a school-by-school basis, this can vary.

Private School Teacher Benefits

Private school teachers enjoy a bit more autonomy than public school teachers. The flexible curricula allow teachers to be more creative, and in schools with a particular focus (like a performing arts school), it’s easier for teachers to instruct in the areas that most interest them. Teachers in private schools even have input on shaping the school’s curriculum. Private school class sizes are also typically smaller, allowing for a more personal relationship between teachers and students. Typically, the ratio of students to teachers in private schools is 12.5 to 1.

Private school teachers are usually not part of unions, and their employment is typically set by a contract, allowing them to negotiate their terms. Regular benefits include insurance, disability benefits, leave programs, retirement plans, professional development plans and tuition reimbursement for continuing education. Teachers with their own children enjoy a discount in tuition for their children to attend the school, and if they teach at a boarding school, they often receive free or subsidized meals and housing.