Which U.S. States Have the Highest and Lowest Percentage of Students Enrolled in Private Schools?

By Nic Breedlove

While public schools serve most students in the United States, private schools play a significant role in the American education system. Out of the nearly 56 million U.S. students who attended pre-K through 12th grade in the 2021-22 school year, 10% were enrolled in private schools, 83% attended public schools, and the remainder went to public charter schools. 

Because private schools afford more control over the primary years of their children’s education, they are an attractive choice for many families. However, private school enrollment is not uniform across the country, with some states boasting a significantly higher percentage of students enrolled in private schools. This disparity across state lines is shaped by regional wealth, the quality of education at local public schools, cultural or religious influences, and even state-level policies. For instance, in some areas, families may have greater access to high-quality public schools, diminishing the perceived need for private education. In other regions, private schools may thrive due to a tradition of religious schooling or having a higher percentage of families who can afford private tuition.

Because the education of younger generations continues to be an enormous social concern, it is essential to examine national data periodically for insight into broader patterns. In this report from Playground Equipment, we will explore which states lead the way in private school enrollment and which states see the fewest students opting for private education. We will also explore the factors driving this disparity.

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Understanding Private School Enrollment

Factors that affect the enrollment rates in private schools in each state include:

Financial Status:

One of the most prominent factors for private school enrollment is socioeconomic status. Private schools are funded through a combination of tuition, donations, endowments, and grants, and as such, families with higher incomes are more likely to send their children to private schools. In contrast, states with lower average incomes may have fewer private schools and families who can afford them.

Cultural and Religious Factors:

More than 75% of private school students attend a religiously affiliated school, with 35% attending Catholic institutions. This may explain why states with large Catholic communities, such as New York and Louisiana, have larger private school populations. In addition, some families may prefer private schools that align with specific educational philosophies or cultural backgrounds. 

Quality of Local Public Schools:

Because the funding model for public schools depends on local taxes, there is a considerable difference in schooling across the United States. States with highly regarded public school systems, like Massachusetts or Connecticut, often see lower private school enrollment than states like Louisiana, where public schools are perceived to be underperforming in some cities.

State Policies

Finally, some states have policies that make it easier for families to choose private education, such as voucher systems, scholarship programs, or tax incentives. States like Florida, which offer a private school voucher of $8000 to all families regardless of economic status, tend to see higher enrollment rates as these policies reduce the financial barrier to private education.

States with the Highest and Lowest Percentage of Private School Enrollment

Highest:

At 19%, Hawaii has the highest percentage of students enrolled in private schools nationwide. The high cost of living, large public school class sizes, and state regulations make Hawaiian private schools attractive to many parents. Additionally, many of the state’s private schools, such as Punahou, boast prestigious reputations nationwide and focus on college prep while still offering religious affiliation.

18% of pupils in Washington, D.C., attend private school, making it the second-highest percentage of private school students in the nation. The perceived unequal quality of public schools and the city's financial differences are the leading causes, as many wealthy families are looking for alternatives. The many political families in the area may also wish to send their children to prestigious schools as a matter of family legacy or to secure better chances at higher education down the road.

Louisiana's extensive network of Catholic schools, especially in New Orleans, where private religious education has a long history, contributes to the state's high enrollment rates. This contributes to Louisiana's third-place ranking at 15%.

Lowest

Conversely, some of the lowest percentages of students attend private schools in states like Wyoming, Utah, and Alaska, where the percentages are all under 5%. The low demand for private education in Wyoming and Utah can be linked to the state's rural locations and lower average family incomes. Similarly, Alaska's lower private school enrollment is shaped by the state legislature, which prevents religiously affiliated schools from receiving public funding, in addition to socioeconomic reasons.

Understanding which U.S. states have the highest and lowest percentages of students enrolled in private schools reveals how socioeconomic status, local governance, and cultural priorities can shape school choices for families. Whether families choose public or private education, one thing remains consistent: providing students with enriching environments where they can grow, learn, and play. High-quality playgrounds are essential to fostering physical and social development, and schools across the U.S. are investing in better equipment to support their students’ needs. Explore our range of innovative playground equipment and design plans to enhance your school's outdoor spaces.

1. Monticello, Florida (99%) (335/339 students)

Private school with the greatest proportion enrolled:

• Aucilla Christian Academy (335 students) 

2. Clute, Texas (98%) (169/172 students)

Private school with the greatest proportion enrolled:

• Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic School (169 students) 

3. Pine Grove, CA (98%) (147/150 students)

Private school with the greatest proportion enrolled:

• Community Christian School & Preschool (147 students)

4. Enoree, SC (96%) (64/67 students)

Private school with the greatest proportion enrolled:

• Lighthouse Christian Academy (64 students)

5. South Mountain, PA (92%) (137/149 students)

Private schools with the greatest proportion enrolled:

• Abraxas Leadership Development Program (76 students)
• Visionquest South Mountain Lodge (61 students)

6. Nobleboro, ME (91%) (1,504/1,645 students)

Private schools with the greatest proportion enrolled:

• Kieve Wavus Education Inc (1,412 students)
• Damariscotta Montessori School (92 students)

7. Gates Mills, OH (91%) (989/1,091 students)

Private schools with the greatest proportion enrolled:

• Gilmour Academy (644 students)
• St. Francis Of Assisi School (345 students)

8. Lindsay, NE (91%) (124/136 students)

Private school with the greatest proportion enrolled:

• Holy Family School (124 students)

9. Dublin, NH (90%) (403 out of 450 students)

Private schools with the greatest proportion enrolled: 

• Dublin Christian Academy (174 students)
• Dublin School (171 students)
• Mountain Shadows School (58 students)

10. Monroe, NY (89%) (14,180/15,987 students)

Private schools with the greatest proportion enrolled:

• Uta Of Kiryas Joel (9,361 students)
• Bais Rochel School (4,482 students)
• Sacred Heart School (194 students)
• St. Paul Christian Education Center (143 students)

Sources: 

National Center for Education Statistics: nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d23/tables/dt23_216.70.asp

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Children’s Bureau: cwoutcomes.acf.hhs.gov/cwodatasite/population/index

Private School Review: privateschoolreview.com/percentage-of-students-enrolled-in-private-schools-stats/national-data/towns

Learn About the Author

Nicolas Breedlove

Nicolas Breedlove, founder and CEO of PlaygroundEquipment.com, transformed a small business into an industry leader known for its superior-quality products and strong distribution network. Drawing on early experiences in various roles, Nic's customer-centric approach and entrepreneurial spirit have set his company apart. Under his leadership, PlaygroundEquipment.com continues to thrive, delivering innovative, safe, and durable playground solutions.

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