Tennessee Private Schools

Private schools are considered private because they operate independently of government funding and control. Unlike public schools, which are funded and regulated by the government, private schools rely on tuition fees, donations, and other private sources of funding to cover their operating costs.

The term “private” refers to the ownership and governance structure of these schools. Private schools are usually owned and operated by non-governmental entities, such as religious organizations, foundations, or individuals. They have the autonomy to establish their own educational philosophies, curricula, admission policies, and hiring practices.

The private status of these schools allows them to have more flexibility in terms of educational approaches, class sizes, and specialized programs. Private schools often emphasize specific religious, cultural, or academic values, and parents who choose private education for their children generally have more influence over the educational experience compared to public schools, which must adhere to government regulations and policies. Information on non-public school admission requirements should be obtained from the school directly.

Click here for a list of over 600 private schools across the state.