elementary.directory / Independent school research

Facts first. Always.

Independent. Schools can't pay to change their facts.

Start with federal school data

Federal National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) private school data provides a starting point for identifying schools. We supplement public datasets with information from school websites. Federal data is not an endorsement of a school, and it may lag behind changes at a school.

About the NCES Private School Universe Survey

Monthly website checks

School website checks are part of the directory's monthly update process. Tuition, schedules, admissions information, and scholarship programs can change between updates. A directory update does not mean every field has been re-verified that day.

Read the last-verified date

Where a last-verified date is available, it is shown on the school listing. It describes the verification record we have, not a guarantee that every detail is current. If a date or fact is missing, we do not invent one. Confirm important details directly with the school.

Schools can correct their facts—for free

Schools can claim a listing and correct school-managed facts. Corrections are attributed to the verified school and can be reviewed; source conflicts and disputed facts have an administrative review process. Verified-school edits currently save immediately, rather than all being held for approval.

Claiming a listing does not buy favorable facts or control over parent reviews. Parent reviews require moderation before publication. Learn about claiming your school.

What does private school cost?

There is no single price. When a school provides tuition information, its listing shows the recorded amount or range and, where available, the tuition year and notes. Missing tuition is not zero tuition, and ranges may reflect different grades or programs.

This directory does not claim a national average. Compare individual schools, then ask about registration fees, aftercare, financial aid, and the cost for your child's grade. Compare school listings and tuition.

Which schools accept vouchers or education savings accounts?

Voucher, scholarship, and education savings account (ESA) acceptance is recorded by program on school listings. Availability, rules, and eligibility vary by location and program. A school accepting a program does not establish your child's eligibility or guarantee an award. Confirm participation and eligibility before applying. Find schools with recorded programs.

Report a concern

If a fact appears wrong, contact claims@elementary.directory with the school and the source you believe is correct.