Private Schools K-12 Industry Profile

Institutions in this industry provide primary and secondary classroom education not associated with public school systems. No major companies dominate the industry.

There are about 33,400 private primary and secondary schools in the US, with a total enrollment of about 5 million students. Consumer spending on private schools is expected to see moderate growth over the next two years. Demand is driven by demographics, specifically the population of school-age children, and desire for alternatives to public schools.

About 70 percent of private schools are affiliated with religious organizations, 20 percent with the Roman Catholic Church. While most private schools are tax-exempt, nonprofit entities, some operate on a for-profit basis.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand is driven by perceived inadequacies in the public school system as well as the desire for a specific curriculum or school culture. The success of an individual school depends largely on its reputation for quality. Large schools can offer a wider range of instruction and have some economies of scale. Small schools can be successful by providing instruction in a special field.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

About 65 percent of private schools provide education only through the primary grades (from kindergarten through the fifth or sixth grades); 10 percent provide only secondary education. Operations are similar to those at public schools: schools hire teachers, administrators, and support staff; buy educational and other materials; and buy or rent buildings and other space for classrooms and other student ...