Benefits of Attending Private Schools in the United States

Education for children is highly prioritized in the U.S., with the government dedicating approximately 10% of its budget to this sector. Public schools are available locally, providing free education up to secondary level for residents.

Preschool education, however, requires parents to cover tuition costs, and if both parents are working, daycare becomes necessary—though it is also paid. Preschool primarily focuses on social skills and behavioral development, preparing children for primary education.

The advantage of enrolling a child in preschool is that it helps them adapt to the school environment and learn foundational skills for future education.

Public primary and secondary education are tuition-free, featuring comprehensive curricula. Nonetheless, they lack religious or specialized programs for disabled or gifted children.

Private schools are ideal for students seeking advanced placement courses or strong sports programs. Religious families can opt for religious-based private schools to ensure faith-based education, including prayer sessions to start the day.

For parents aiming for excellence in sports, private schools with dedicated athletic programs are recommended. Such schools often showcase their achievements and amenities through galleries and awards, indicating their focus on athletics.

Parents seeking academically rigorous curricula like AP courses or IB programs should consider private schools offering these options. These institutions employ highly qualified teachers and provide advanced educational tracks beyond public school offerings.

Private schools with enriched programs offer students global exposure and opportunities for hands-on experiments, which are valuable for higher education and careers. Choosing such schools benefits parents who want their children to excel academically and develop strong skills for the future.

A survey by Niche analyzing over 3,500 private schools identified the top ten in the US based on parent feedback, student performance, SAT/ACT scores, and student-teacher ratios.

These top institutions include:

• Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts
• Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter, New Hampshire
• St. Paul’s School, Concord, New Hampshire
• The Lawrenceville School, Lawrenceville, New Jersey
• Choate Rosemary Hall, Wallingford, Connecticut
• Lakeside School, Seattle, Washington
• Deerfield Academy, Deerfield, Massachusetts
• Harvard-Westlake School, Studio City, California
• Horace Mann School, Bronx, New York
• The College Preparatory School, Oakland, California

Many of these schools offer boarding options, allowing students to focus more on academics with fewer daily distractions. Boarding can enhance learning by providing a stable environment, leading to better academic performance.

Typically, parents choose local schools but sometimes opt to find housing near prestigious institutions. Successful students with high test scores often qualify for scholarships and grants, easing access to their preferred colleges.