States with the most preK-12 students attending private schools, 2015-16

More than 5.7 million students from prekindergarten through 12th grade were enrolled in private schools in 2015-16.

Sept. 18, 2018

California, which has the most students enrolled in public schools, also has the greatest numbers of students attending private schools.

The National Center for Eduction Statistics Private School Universe Survey for 2015-16 found that 5,750,520 students were enrolled in private elementary and secondary schools throughout the United States.

That represents a drop of about 320,000 students over 10 years. In 2005, the survey found that 6,073,240 students attended private schools.

Here are the 10 states that had the greatest numbers of private school students in fall 2015.

About the Author

Mike Kennedy

Senior Editor

Mike Kennedy has been writing about education for American School & University since 1999. He also has reported on schools and other topics for The Chicago Tribune, The Kansas City Star, The Kansas City Times and City News Bureau of Chicago. He is a graduate of Michigan State University.