Private Schools in California

This report provides an overview of private schools in California as of 1992–1993, examining their enrollment, types, size, geographic distribution, and regulatory environment. It also considers how existing private schools might respond to increased demand if Proposition 174—a school voucher initiative—were enacted. Under Proposition 174, private schools enrolling 25 or more students and meeting existing legal requirements could redeem vouchers for tuition payments.

Private schools enrolled nearly 10 percent of California’s K–12 students, with approximately 554,000 students attending 3,839 private schools. Of those, 2,707 schools enrolled 25 or more students. Private schools are categorized into Catholic, other religious, and independent schools, noting that Catholic schools are the largest category by enrollment. Differences in school size, grade level distribution, and geographic location are highlighted, with the majority of private school students attending urban schools.

Additionally, various regulations governing private schools are detailed, including attendance, curriculum requirements, safety standards, teacher qualifications, and record-keeping. Barriers and considerations for launching new private schools, such as securing capital, building credibility, and navigating legal requirements, are also outlined. Significant gaps in existing data are identified, particularly concerning tuition costs, financial aid availability, and the ability of private schools to expand under a voucher system.