How to Find Private School Scholarships | K-12 Schools

A private school can offer advantages, from small classes to top-notch facilities. But it often comes with a hefty price tag.

There are more than 22,000 private K-12 schools in the U.S., costing an average of $12,350 annually, according to December 2021 figures from the Education Data Initiative. When broken down, private elementary school tuition averages $7,630 per year, and private high schools average $16,040. But schools in major cities can cost much more – for instance, K-12 tuition at New York City’s Horace Mann School was almost $60,000 for the 2022-2023 school year, according to the school’s website.

Scholarships are a large part of what allows families to afford private schools. “One size does not fit all, and children should have access to schools that best meet their individual needs,” Elizabeth Toomey, director of communications at the Children’s Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships for K-8 students, wrote in an email. “So, if a parent determines that a private school is the best fit for a child, we want to make it possible for that parent to enroll their child in that school, regardless of their income or zip code.”

If you’re considering a private school, here’s what to know about how to find and apply for scholarships.

Private schools may not be the best option for everyone, and in fact about 9 in 10 U.S. students go to public schools, federal data show. However, there are reasons why some students may find private schools to be a better fit. Private schools can offer benefits such as smaller class sizes, more advanced classes and a more comprehensive range of clubs, activities and exchange opportunities, says Cheryl Scott-Mouzon, a K-8 admissions counselor at IvyWise, an educational consulting firm.

Private schools may also provide the opportunity to dive deep into a specific subject matter and to work with specialists in the area, adds Elizabeth Jones, president and co-founder of the Institute for Educational Advancement, which advocates for the needs of gifted youth.

No two private schools are the same, so take the time to do your homework. “Parents and older students should do the proper research in looking for schools that would be a good fit for their student – schools that will be able to challenge their students and who have the electives and activities that will ensure a well-rounded education,” says Scott-Mouzon.

If that right fit comes at a high price, financial aid and scholarships may make it attainable.

“The most obvious advantage of applying for scholarships is that, unlike loans, scholarships don’t need to be repaid,” says Alan Royal, director of outreach and partnerships at the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, which runs scholarship programs for middle school and college students with financial need.

But the process of finding and applying for private school scholarships can be overwhelming. Here are some steps experts recommend.

Get going on your scholarship search as soon as you can, in the year before your child will start at a private school. Between research and applications, the scholarship application process can be time-consuming. Some organizations, such as the Children’s Scholarship Fund, award scholarships on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning the earlier you apply, the better your chances. And all have deadlines to meet for consideration, experts stress, usually in the spring before your child will start school.

This is the time to think about your child’s interests, accomplishments and goals as they pertain to school. While this can help determine which scholarships to apply for, it’s also an opportunity to confirm if private school is the right choice for you.

“A more rigorous high school will be more demanding and a larger time commitment,” says Royal. “It is valuable to reflect on your reasons and the factors affecting your decision ahead of time to ensure that committing to this type of educational experience is the right fit.”

Scholarships can be “merit-based” (focused on student achievement in a particular area or school overall), “need-based” (based on financial need) or both. Some scholarships are specific to factors such as race or immigration status.

Here are a few examples of specific scholarships available to K-12 students:

According to Toomey, applicants hear about opportunities through families, friends, neighbors and schools – both their current and prospective ones. Many scholarships come directly from schools, so reaching out to your schools of choice is a good first step, says Scott-Mouzon.

Beyond their own scholarships, schools may also partner with donors who want to support prospective students, adds Royal. While there are fewer scholarships for K-12 schooling than for higher education, Scott-Mouzon says that between schools and outside organizations, there are still a wide range of opportunities to pursue.

“Parents should also see if their state offers voucher programs, which are government-funded certificates that allow students to attend a private school that a parent chooses,” says Scott-Mouzon.

EdChoice, a school choice advocacy group, offers state-by-state information on their website on vouchers, tax credits and other ways of funding private school education. The Children’s Scholarship Fund also lists tuition assistance programs by state, along with its scholarship programs.

Scholarship applications will likely require an essay from the student or parent. This part of the process allows one to show personality, drive and challenges overcome.

“Student essays should really be in the student’s voice, answering questions as honestly as possible,” says Scott-Mouzon. “Parent essays should be honest as well, giving a clear picture of your child’s strengths and challenges, if any.” There is a similar opportunity to discuss these points if an interview is required.