Independent Schools

An independent school is not public school, a charter school or a parochial school.  The term private school is often used interchangeably with independent school; however, there is a slight distinction between a private and an independent school.  An independent school has its own independent board of trustees, while a private school can be a part of or governed by another entity such as a church or synagogue. Independent schools are not dependent on government or church funds; funding is mainly through tuition.  Every independent school has its own unique mission and select students through their own self-defined admissions process.

To learn more about independent schools in New York City and beyond visit:

• New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS)
• Independent Schools Admissions Association of Greater New York (ISAAGNY)
• National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
• Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAISCT)
• New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS)
• Parents League of New York assists thousands of families applying to independent schools each year through personal school advisory services, school fairs, publications, workshops and programs.

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