business plan to start a private school

ZenBusinessPlans

Home » Sample Business Plans » Education » School

How to Write a Private School Business Plan [Sample Template]

Are you about starting a private school (nursery, primary or high school)? If YES, here’s a complete sample private school business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE. Okay, so we have considered all the requirements for starting a private school.

We also took it further by analyzing and drafting a sample private school marketing plan template backed up by actionable guerrilla marketing ideas for private schools. So let’s proceed to the business planning section.

Why Start a Private School?

One of the best things that can happen to anyone is to have a private school. This is one very lucrative business that will continue to rake in money for its owners. As an aspiring entrepreneur who is looking towards starting a business, you should ensure that whatever business you intend to start, you make sure that it is located in an appropriate place.

For example; if you want to start a private school, it will be a wrong business judgment if you decide to site the school close to an industrial area or close to a market. Aspiring entrepreneurs therefore are urged as a matter of necessity to ensure that they carry out a thorough market research and feasibility study of the industry they intend to go into before investing their hard earned money and time.

It is known fact that the demand for private schools is driven by the fact that most public cum government owned schools cannot accommodate every students or potential students in a given geographical location. In some cases, students with special needs cannot cope in public schools hence the need for private schools.

If you think starting a private school business sounds like what you want to do. Then you may want to use the business plan below as a guide.

A Sample Private School Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

Private schools which is also known in the united states as independent schools, non-governmental, or non – state schools are schools that are not administered by either the local, state or the federal governments; hence, they have the right to select their students and are funded in whole or in part by charging their students tuition fees, rather than relying on mandatory taxation through public (government) funding.

Some private schools have structure in place that offer scholarships to some students, which makes the cost cheaper, depending on a talent such as sport scholarship, art scholarship, academic scholarship the student may be brining to the private school, financial need, or tax credit scholarships that might be available.

The Private Schools industry comprises of primary that is kindergarten through sixth grade and secondary that is seventh through 12th grade) educational institutions that are predominantly funded through enrollment and tuition fees from students and of course from other private sources.

Recent reports released by IBISWORLD shows that the revenue for the Private Schools industry is expected to increase, as the economy continues to recover. The indicated that during the five years to 2016, enrollment decreased, which was a trend attributable to rising costs and competition from charter schools.

However, going forward, in the next five years, household income is anticipated to increase, making it easier for families to afford private-school tuition. Additionally, enrollment declines will lesson, resulting in more stable demand for private schools

In the United States of America and of course in most countries of the world, The Private Schools industry is indeed a large and thriving industry. Statistics has it that The Private Schools industry in the United States of America, is worth $52 billion, with an estimated growth rate of 0.1 percent.

There are about 25,742 registered and licensed (accredited) Private schools scattered all around the United States of America and they are responsible for employing about 644,320 people.

Aside from Catholic schools, which is the second largest sector after government schools, with around 21 percent of secondary enrollments, no other private school can boast of dominating the market; every player in the industry can comfortably compete in the industry.

It is important to state that the barriers to entry into the Private Schools industry are high. As a matter of fact, the private school industry is an industry in which it is pretty difficult for new entrants to establish themselves. So also, the reputation of the private school is of utmost importance, as private schools that have a good history of getting students into prestigious colleges often have the best reputations hence good enrollments.

With this, it is obvious that a new entrant in to the private school industry cannot offer this. Reputation indeed is imperative to parents’ decisions when shopping for private school for their wards. This is so because the quality of education cannot be assessed until well after it is complete. As a major marketing tool, schools need to show parents a track record of admission to elite colleges and universities.

Even though this might seem like a saturated industry, the industry is still pretty much open for aspiring school proprietors and proprietress to still come in and compete. As a matter of fact, if you conduct your research and feasibility studies very well before starting your own private school couple with impressive profile of your faculty members, you are likely going to struggle less to make headway in the industry.

2. Executive Summary

Rolland Gyros International Private School is an international private school that will be located in a well – populated residential estate in Ashville – North Carolina, United States of America. We are a standard private school that is composed of primary (kindergarten through sixth grade) and secondary (seventh through 12th grade) educational institution that will be predominantly funded through tuition fees and levies from students and of course from other private sources.

Rolland Gyros International Private School is a client-focused and result driven private school that provides broad-based learning approaches and experience at an affordable fee that won’t in any way put a hole in the pockets of our clients (students and parents alike).

We will offer standard and professional teaching services in a highly secured and conducive learning environment to all our students that is primary (kindergarten through sixth grade) and secondary (seventh through 12th grade). We will ensure that we work hard to meet and surpass all our students’ expectations and educational goals whenever they enroll in our tutorial college.

At Rolland Gyros International Private School, our students’ overall best interest would always come first, and everything we do is guided by our values and professional ethics. We will ensure that we hire professional educationist cum teachers in various subjects who are well experienced and passionate in imparting knowledge to students at various learning ladder.

Rolland Gyros International Private School will at all time demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as an educational organization, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible.

We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our students’ needs precisely and completely. We will cultivate a working environment that provides a human, sustainable approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for our partners, employees and for our students.

We have plans to offer learning platforms to people with both learning disability and physical disability (especially the blind, the dumb and the deaf). Our overall business goal is to position our private school to become the leading tutorial brand in the educational industry in the whole of Ashville – North Carolina, and also to be amongst the top 30 private schools in the United States of America within the first 12 years of operations.

This might look too tall a dream but we are optimistic that this will surely come to pass because we have done our research and feasibility studies and we are enthusiastic and confident that Ashville is the right place to launch our private school.

Rolland Gyros International Private School is founded by Dr. (Mrs.) Irene Rolland Gyros and family. She is an educationist per excellence and she has won many awards in the education sector in the United States. Dr. (Mrs.) Irene Rolland Gyros has both the academic qualifications and experience to run a private school that can favorably compete with other leading private schools not only in Ashville – North Carolina, but also throughout the United States and Canada.

3. Our Products and Services

Rolland Gyros International Private School is going to offer varieties of educational services within the scope of the education board in the United States of America. Our intention of starting our private school is to soundly educate people in various subjects and of course to make profits from the education cum private schools industry and we will do all that is permitted by the law in the US to achieve our aim and business goal.

Our service offerings are listed below;

• Teaching basic literacy and numeracy
• Establishing foundations in science, mathematics, geography, history and other social sciences
• Constantly working hard to meet regulatory accreditation standards
• Administering private funding efforts
• Providing access to extracurricular activities
• Retailing of Educational Books and Materials

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision is to build a highly competitive private school that will become the number one choice for both parents and students in the whole of Ashville – North Carolina.
• Our vision reflects our values: integrity, service, excellence and teamwork.
• Our mission is to provide professional and conducive learning environment to students at different level of learning.
• Our overall business goal is to position Rolland Gyros International Private School to become the leading private school brand in the educational cum private school industry in the whole of Ashville – North Carolina, and also to be amongst the top 30 private schools in the United States of America within the first 12 years of operations.

Our Business Structure

It is a known fact that, the success of any business is to a larger extent dependent on the business structure of the organization and the people who occupy the available roles in the organization. Rolland Gyros International Private School will build a solid business structure that can support the growth of our private school.

We will ensure that we hire competent hands (teaching and non – teaching staff members) to help us build the private school of our dream. The fact that we want to become one of the leading private school brand in the industry in the whole of the United States of America makes it highly necessary for our organization to deliberately build a well – structured business from the onset.

We will work hard to ensure that we only attract people with the right mindset to help us achieve our business goals and objectives in record time. Below is the business structure that we will build Rolland Gyros International Private School;

• Head of The Private School(School Proprietress)

School Administrator

Tutors for Various Subjects – Secondary (seventh through 12th grade)

Tutors for Various Subjects – Primary (kindergarten through sixth grade)

• Accountant / Bursar
• Client Service Executive / Front Desk Officer

Security Officers

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Head of the Tutorial College / School Coordinator:

• Responsible for providing direction for the college
• Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for handling high profile clients and deals
• Responsible for fixing fees and signing business deals (partnership)
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the tutorial college
• Coordinates all arms of the tutorial school (tutorial center, adult education, home tutors and special education)
• Evaluates the success of the tutorial college
• Reports to the board of the tutorial college
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the tutorial school
• Designs job descriptions with KPI to drive performance management for tutors (teachers)
• Regularly hold meetings with key stakeholders (parents and member of the school board) to review the effectiveness of the schools’ Policies, Procedures and Processes
• Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Oversees the smooth running of the daily activities of the private school.
• Effectively teach subject / subjects as assigned by the school administrator
• Accesses the progress of students under their care
• Ensures that students abide by the rules and regulations of the private school
• Contributes his / her quota towards growing the private school
• Receives complaints from parents and channel it to the appropriate quarters
• Handle any other duty as assigned by the school administrator.
• Ensure that students abide by the rules and regulations of the school administrator
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the school administrator.

Marketing Executive

• Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new students, and business opportunities et al
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of development projects.
• Writes winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with organizations’ policy
• Responsible for handling business research, market surveys and feasibility studies for clients
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
• Documents all customer contact and information
• Represents the company in strategic meetings
• Helps to increase sales and growth for the school

School Bursar (Accountant)

• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for Rolland Gyros International Private School
• Serves as internal auditor for Rolland Gyros International Private School

Client Service Executive

• Welcomes / receive parents and students by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
• Ensures that all contacts with parents and students (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the parents and students with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with parents and students on the phone, uses every opportunity to build parent’s interest in the schools’ products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the HR and Admin Manager in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to parents and students when they make enquiries
• Receives parcels / documents for Rolland Gyros International Private School
• Distribute mails in the organization
• Handles any other duties as assigned by the School Administrator.
• Responsible for cleaning the school facility at all times
• Ensures that toiletries and supplies don’t run out of stock
• Cleans both the interior and exterior of the schools facility
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the school administrator
• Ensures that the school facility is secured at all time
• Controls traffic and organize parking
• Gives security tips to staff members from time to time
• Patrols around the building on a 24 hours basis
• Submits security reports weekly
• Any other duty as assigned by the school administrator

6. SWOT Analysis

Rolland Gyros International Private School engaged the services of a core professional in the area of business consulting and structuring with bias in the education sector to assist us in building a well – structured private school that can favorably compete in the highly competitive education cum private schools industry in the United States.

Part of what the team of business consultant did was to work with the management of our organization in conducting a SWOT analysis for Rolland Gyros International Private School. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Rolland Gyros International Private School;

As a private school, our core strength lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team with excellent qualifications and experience in the educational sector. We are well positioned in a community with the right demography and we know we will attract loads of students from the first day we open our doors and welcome students for enrollment.

As a new private school in Ashville – North Carolina, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market and gain acceptance via reputation in the already saturated education cum private schools industry; that is perhaps our major weakness.

• Opportunities:

The opportunities in the education cum private schools industry is massive considering the number of parents who would want their wards to perform excellently well in their education and go ahead to be admitted in Ivy league colleges. As a standard and international private school, Rolland Gyros International Private School is ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes her way.

Every business faces a threat or challenge at any part of the life cycle of the business. These threats can be external or internal. This shows the importance of a business plan, because most threats or challenges are to be anticipated and plans put in place to cushion what effect they might bring to the private school.

Some of the threats that we are likely going to face as a private school operating in the United States of America are unfavorable government policies that might affect private schools, the arrival of a competitor within our location of operations and global economic downturn which usually affects spending / purchasing power.

There is hardly anything we can do as regards these threats other than to be optimistic that things will continue to work for our good.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

The trend in the private school line of business is that the key to attracting students is the educational performance and the pass rate of their students in national exams. Any private school that has good records will always thrive. The demand for private schools is driven by the fact that most public cum government owned schools cannot accommodate every students or potential students in a given geographical location.

In some cases, students with special needs cannot cope in public schools hence the need for private schools. The economic downturn hasn’t really affected this industry, especially in countries that believe in the efficacy of education.

The areas you would need to spend heavily on is in ensuring that your school is up to standard, your advertisements, and on insurance policy cover. Lastly, it is trendier to find private schools engaging in extra – curricular activities and as a matter of fact, a private school that thrives in sports can leverage on that to attract students who are sports inclined.

8. Our Target Market

As a standard and international private school, Rolland Gyros International Private School is going to offer varieties of educational services within the scope of the education board in the United States of America. Our intention of starting our private school is to soundly educate people in various subjects and of course to make profits from the education cum private schools industry

Our target market as a private school cuts across people (students) of different class and people from different culture background whether African, White, Caucasian, Latinos, Indians, and Asians. We are coming into the education cum private schools industry with a business concept that will enable us work with the students at different learning stages residing in and around Ashville – North Carolina.

Our competitive advantage

Indeed the private schools industry is highly competitive and the entry barriers are high. As a matter of fact, the private school industry is an industry in which it is pretty difficult for new entrants to establish themselves. So also, the reputation of the private school is of utmost importance, as private schools that have a good history of getting students into prestigious colleges often have the best reputations hence good enrollments.

We are quite aware that to be highly competitive in the education cum private schools industry means that you should be able to deliver consistent quality service, your students should be able to experience remarkable difference and improvement and you should be able to meet the expectations of both students and parents alike.

Rolland Gyros International Private School might be a new entrant into the education cum private schools industry in the United States of America, but the management staffs and owners of the private school are considered gurus. They are people who are core professionals, licensed and highly qualified educationist / teachers at various levels of learning in the United States. These are part of what will count as a competitive advantage for us.

Lastly, our employees (teaching and non – teaching staff members) will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (startups private school in the United States) in the industry meaning that they will be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Rolland Gyros International Private School is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the education cum private schools industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to attract students on a regular basis.

Rolland Gyros International Private School will generate income by offering the following tutorial services;

• Teaching High school students various subjects in our private school

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain, there would always be parents and students who would need the services of private schools to be able to achieve their educational goals and as such the services of private schools will always be needed.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in Ashville – North Carolina and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from the first six month of operations and grow the private school and our student base.

We have been able to critically examine the private schools cum education market in the United States of America and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast.

The sales projection is based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to similar startups in Ashville – North Carolina. Below is the sales projection for Rolland Gyros International Private School, it is based on the location of our tutorial center and of course the wide range of tutorial services that we will be offering;

• First Fiscal Year-: $250,000
• Second Fiscal Year-: $450,000
• Third Fiscal Year-: $750,000

N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and natural disasters within the period stated above. So, there won’t be any major competitor (private school) offering same additional services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

We are mindful of the fact that there is stiffer competition amongst private schools in the United States of America; hence we have been able to hire some of the best marketing experts to handle our sales and marketing concerns. Our sales and marketing team will be recruited base on their vast experience in the industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall goal of the private school.

We will also ensure that our students’ excellent results from national exams and other exams speaks for us in the market place; we want to build a standard and first – class private school that will leverage on word of mouth advertisement from satisfied clients (both individuals and corporate organizations).

Our goal is to grow our private school to become one of the top 30 private schools in the United States of America which is why we have mapped out strategy that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force to reckon with not only in Ashville – North Carolina but also in other cities in the United States of America.

Rolland Gyros International Private School is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients;

• Introduce our private school by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to schools, parents / household and key stake holders in Ashville – North Carolina.
• Print out fliers and business cards and strategically drop them in schools, libraries and even student organizations.
• Creating a website, allows parents to be able to look you up, and also allows you to post general study tips, giving you an added advantage.
• Use friends and family to spread word about our private school
• Introduce Rolland Gyros International Private School to learning specialists, school coaches, school administrators, teachers, guidance counselors especially as they are with students everyday
• Post information about Rolland Gyros International Private School on bulletin boards in places like schools, libraries, and local coffee shops.
• Placing a small or classified advertisement in the newspaper, or local publication about Rolland Gyros International Private School
• Using tutorial referral networks such as agencies that will help match students with Rolland Gyros International Private School
• Joining relevant association or body that will enable you network and meet others in same industry.
• Advertising online by using an advertising platform such as Google Adwords, that will allow us place text advertisements alongside on websites with related contents, and along results from search engines.
• Advertise our private school in relevant educational magazines, newspapers, TV stations, and radio station.
• Attend relevant educational expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
• Engage direct marketing approach
• Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We are aware of the potency of a good publicity strategy hence we have been able to work with our brand and publicity consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market.

We are set to become the number one choice for both parents and students in the whole of Ashville – North Carolina which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our private school. Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise Rolland Gyros International Private School;

• Place adverts on both print (community based newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community based events / programs
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook , twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our brand
• Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations all around Ashville – North Carolina.
• Engage in road show from time to time in targeted neighborhoods in and around Ashville – North Carolina
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas in and around Ashville – North Carolina
• Passing general information via our school’s social media handles like twitter, Facebook, Google hangouts etc.
• Ensure that all our teaching and non – teaching staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles are well branded with our schools’ logo et al.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Private schools in the United States of America and of course in all the parts of the world charge students per tem / per session and students have the options of either paying their tuitions before resumption or during the school session.

Private schools generally charge students based on loads of factors, locations, services offerings and extra – curricular activities et al At Rolland Gyros International Private School we will keep our fees below the average market rate for all of our students by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance.

In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to all our students at regular intervals. We are aware that there are some students that would need special assistance, we will offer flat rate for such services that will be tailored to take care of such students’ needs.

• Payment Options

At Rolland Gyros International Private School, our payment policy will be all inclusive because we are quite aware that different people prefer different payment options as it suits them. Here are the payment options that we will make available to our clients;

• Payment by via bank transfer
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via bank draft
• Payment via mobile money
• Payment with cash

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will help us achieve our plans with little or no itches.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

In setting up a private school business, the amount or cost will depend on the approach and scale you want to undertake. If you intend to go big by acquiring a large facility, then you would need a higher amount of capital as you would need to ensure that your employees are taken care of, and that your private school’s environment is conducive enough for the students to learn.

This means that the start-up can either be low or high depending on your goals, vision and aspirations for your business. The materials and equipment that will be used are nearly the same cost everywhere, and any difference in prices would be minimal and can be overlooked.

As for the detailed cost analysis for starting a private school business; it might differ in other countries due to the value of their money. However, this is what it would cost us to start Rolland Gyros International Private School in the United of America;

• Business incorporating fees in the United States of America will cost – $750.
• The budget for Liability insurance, permits and license will cost – $3,500
• Acquiring a large facility that will accommodate the number of block of closes, playing field, staff offices and parking lots et al (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) will cost – $350,000.
• Equipping the classes and office (computers, printers, projectors, markers, pens and pencils, furniture, telephones, filing cabinets, and electronics) will cost – $50,000
• Launching an official Website will cost – $500
• The budget for the payment of salaries for the first three months of operations: $120,000
• Additional Expenditure such as Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions will cost – $15,000

Going by the market survey and feasibility studies conducted, we came to the conclusion that we will need an average of $750,000 to start a small scale but standard private school in the United States of America.

Generating Funding / Startup Capital for Rolland Gyros International Private School

Rolland Gyros International Private School is a family business that will be owned and managed by Dr. (Mrs.) Irene Rolland Gyros and her immediate family. They are the sole financial of the private school which is why they decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital for the private school to just three major sources.

These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
• Generate part of the start – up capital from friends and other extended family members
• Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility).

N.B: We have been able to generate about $250,000 (Personal savings $200,000 and soft loan from family members $50,000 ) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $500,000 from our bank. All the papers and document has been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

It is a known fact that the future of any business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have, the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and of course the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Rolland Gyros International Private School is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers (students and parents alike) over is to ensure that we offer nothing less than the best, to offer quality education to all our students so much so that they can favorably compete with students all over the United States and gain admission to Ivy League colleges.

Rolland Gyros International Private School will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and re – training of our workforce is at the top burner of our business strategy.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of three years or more as determined by the board of the organization. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

More on School

Item added to your cart

How to write a business plan for your private school project.

Starting a private school is a great way to provide students with an alternative education option that is tailored to their individual needs and interests.

It also allows for greater autonomy and flexibility in curriculum design and implementation, allowing for more personalized learning experiences.

But, before that, you need a business plan.

Creating a business plan before beginning a project is essential for success. It helps to identify potential risks and opportunities, as well as providing a roadmap for the project.

In short, a good business plan will help ensure the profitability of your private school project .

What should be covered when creating a business plan for a private school? How can it be effectively planned? What are the essential financial measures to include? What steps should I take to ensure an efficient process when writing a business plan?

Good news, you can find all the answers to these questions in the forthcoming article!

One last thing: you can avoid starting your business plan from scratch.

Feel free to download our professional business plan for a private school and tailor it to suit your project.

Designing a business plan for a private school

Is a business plan recommended for your private school project.

Yes, you should create a business plan for your private school project.

Crafting a well-structured business plan will help you to:

• gain knowledge of the private school market
• keep up with the industry's changing trends
• discover what makes a private school competitive
• understand parents' educational preferences and expectations
• come up with a winning value proposition for your independent educational institution
• examine competitor market share
• find solid competitive advantages for your private school project
• find a business model that will lead to a positive bottom line
• implement a winning strategy on the short and the long-term
• assess potential risks involved in starting a private school, such as regulatory compliance, student safety, and educational quality

Our team has created a business plan for a private school that is designed to make it easier for you to achieve all the elements listed.

How to outline a business plan for a private school?

If done well, your business plan will be a full package of content, metrics and financial data. It must be presented in a structured format, to make easy to read and digest.

When we built our business plan for a private school , we made sure to structure it propertly.

You'll come across 5 sections (Opportunity, Project, Market Research, Strategy and Finances).

1. Market Opportunity

The section number one is called "Market Opportunity".

Access relevant data and metrics for the private school project, assisting you in analyzing the opportunities and challenges within the education and schooling sector.

The data here is always fresh; we update it twice a year.

2. Project Presentation

The "Project" section is where you outline your private school project. You can describe the educational philosophy, curriculum offerings, extracurricular activities, facilities, teaching staff qualifications, admission process, and the unique value proposition that sets your school apart in providing quality education.

Remember to introduce yourself at the end of this section.

Discuss your passion for education, your vision for the private school, and how you plan to create an enriching and nurturing learning environment for students. Highlight your qualified faculty, your innovative curriculum, and your dedication to providing personalized attention and holistic development opportunities through your private school project.

We wrote some content in our business plan. Change it to fit your concept.

3. Market Research

The next item on the list is the "Market Research" section.

The purpose of this section is to introduce the market segments for your private school project.

It includes a competition study, outlining other private schools in the area. Your school's unique educational programs and competitive advantages are also highlighted. A customized SWOT analysis is included.

4. Strategy

Within the "Strategy" section, a detailed plan spanning three years is presented, highlighting the initiatives and actions necessary to make your private school project highly profitable.

Additionally, you'll find a marketing strategy, a plan to manage risks, and a completed Business Model Canvas, tailored to a private school, in this section.

5. Finances

In the end, the section labeled "Finances" allows you to showcase the financial details and values of your project.

How to elaborate the Executive Summary for a private school?

The Executive Summary serves as a compact introduction to the business plan of your private school project.

Don't go beyond 2 pages; ensure you include only the critical information.

This document is designed to make the reader excited about your business plan.

In the Executive Summary of your private school project, answer these questions: what is your private school project about? who is your target market? are there other private schools in the area? what sets your school apart from them? how much funding do you require?

How to do the market analysis for a private school?

The market study of your private school project helps you understand external factors such as parent preferences for education, competition within the private school sector, and emerging trends in educational practices.

By conducting an extensive market study, a private school can understand parent and student needs, offer quality education and comprehensive programs, optimize pricing strategies, and execute targeted marketing campaigns, ultimately leading to a larger student base, increased enrollment, and a prominent position in the private education sector.

Here is what what we've put in the "Market Research" section of our business plan for a private school :

• key insights and trends in private schools, including private school enrollment rates, education quality, and the impact of specialized private school programs
• a list of potential market segments for a private school
• the competitive review
• the competitive advantages to target for a private school

The key points of the business plan for a private school

What's the business model of a private school, business model of a private school.

a private school's business model revolves around providing education services to students in a private setting. Revenue is generated through tuition fees, potentially offering additional services such as extracurricular activities or specialized programs.

The business model focuses on offering a high-quality and comprehensive curriculum, hiring qualified educators, providing modern facilities and resources, marketing to target parents and students, and building strong relationships with parents and the local community.

Success depends on establishing a positive reputation for academic excellence, attracting and retaining students, meeting regulatory requirements, effective marketing strategies, and delivering a holistic and enriching educational experience.

Business model ≠ Business plan

Avoid confusing "business plan" with "business model."

A business model is a framework that outlines how a company creates value, delivers products or services, and generates revenue.

In a business plan, you employ the Business Model Canvas as a practical tool to outline the key aspects of your business model.

Rest assured, there is a Business Model Canvas (already completed) in our business plan for a private school .

How do you identify the market segments of a private school?

Segmenting the market for your private school project involves dividing your potential students and families into different groups based on their educational needs, preferences, and demographics.

These categories may include factors such as grade levels, curriculum types, extracurricular programs, or families seeking specific educational approaches (e.g., Montessori, STEM, arts-focused).

By segmenting your market, you can offer a private school experience that caters to each segment's specific requirements. For example, you might provide elementary, middle, and high school programs for students of different grade levels, offer a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses a range of subjects and learning areas, specialize in specific educational approaches or philosophies such as Montessori, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), or an arts-focused curriculum, or focus on offering a variety of extracurricular programs and enrichment activities that align with the interests and talents of students.

Market segmentation allows you to effectively target your marketing efforts, communicate the unique benefits of your private school, and provide a nurturing and stimulating educational environment that meets the unique needs and preferences of each student segment and their families.

In the business plan for a private school , you will find a comprehensive market segmentation that will help you identify your potential customers.

How to conduct a competitor analysis for a private school?

Without surprise, you won't be the only private school project in your area. There are other educational initiatives working towards establishing quality private schools.

Develop a solid business plan by conducting an extensive competitor analysis that evaluates their strengths and weaknesses.

Address their weaknesses (such as inadequate curriculum design, lack of extracurricular activities, or poor student support services).

Why is it crucial to notice these aspects? Because these weaknesses can impact the success of private school projects.

By focusing on these areas, you can offer a comprehensive and well-rounded education curriculum, provide qualified and dedicated teaching staff, and create a nurturing and inclusive school environment, positioning your private school project as a preferred choice for parents and students seeking quality education and holistic development.

It's what we call competitive advantages—building them is essential for a standout business.

Here are some examples of competitive advantages for a high school: experienced and dedicated teaching staff, diverse educational programs, supportive learning environment.

How to draft a SWOT analysis for a high school?

A SWOT analysis can help identify potential opportunities and threats that can affect the success of the private school project.

As you can guess, there is indeed a completed and editable SWOT matrix in our business plan for a private school

The strengths for a private school

S stands for Strengths in SWOT, representing the project's valuable strengths or advantages.

For a private school, possible strengths could include a highly qualified teaching staff, a rigorous academic curriculum, a diverse student body, and a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities.

The weaknesses for a private school

The "W" symbolizes Weaknesses, indicating the specific areas or aspects of the project that require attention.

For a private school, potential weaknesses could include inadequate funding, lack of qualified teachers, insufficient resources, and limited parental involvement.

The opportunities for a private school

The "O" in SWOT stands for Opportunities, which are positive external factors that can help the project succeed.

In the case of a private school, potential opportunities include creating an innovative curriculum, increasing student engagement, expanding the school's reach through technology, and developing community partnerships.

The threats for a private school

When we refer to the "T" in SWOT, we're referring to Threats, which are the external risks or detrimental factors that can impact the project's performance.

How to develop a marketing plan for a high school?

A marketing strategy is a necessary component of a business plan as it describes how a business will engage customers and generate sales.

A well-crafted marketing strategy will attract parents seeking quality education for their children to your private school project.

Parents won't enroll their children in your private school project without effective marketing; showcasing the quality of education, extracurricular activities, and nurturing environment is crucial.

Are you implementing effective marketing strategies for your private school project? Consider hosting open houses or informational sessions for parents, showcasing your school's unique educational programs, and utilizing targeted advertising campaigns in local communities.

Don't worry if you have no clue about marketing and communication.

How to build a solid financial plan for a high school?

A successful business plan must include detailed financial information, such as income and expense projections, cash flow statements, and a break-even analysis.

In the process of developing your business plan, you'll need to determine the expected revenue for your private school project.

The revenue forecast should be based on reliable information and reflect current market conditions.

Our financial plan for a private school is straightforward and equipped with automated checks, enabling you to validate and adjust your assumptions easily. This way, we make sure you're building solid financial projections.

It goes without saying that you'll have to develop a provisional budget for your private school project. Don't overlook any expense. By the way, we've listed them all in our financial plan!

The break-even analysis is central in the financial plan as it will tell you whether your private school project will be profitable or not.

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
• Opens in a new window.

How To Start A School in 2024 Step-by-Step Guide

by Cindy Lumpkin | How to Start a School , Learning

How to Start a Private School

Are you a teacher who is interested in how to start a private school ? Maybe you are a parent or religious group who feels your community needs more options.

If so, you are not alone.

As you are aware, teachers are leaving the field of education like wildfire. But many of them don’t want to quit teaching . 

Instead of abandoning their passion for teaching, some educators are discovering that they can still do what they love—teach—by starting their own schools and educational businesses. 

How do I know? Because I did just that, I started a small private school . I didn’t have a lot of money and no big names were backing me.

I discovered that I could still do what I love and, at the same time, avoid what I hated about the school system: bureaucracy, red tape, testing, and stress . 

It came as a total shock when thousands of people- teachers, and a few parents, found a Youtube video I did explaining how I started my own school . 

They couldn’t believe that a teacher, like them, with little funds and resources, started a school that was fully accredited.

Many of them also asked me if I could share with them how I started my own school.

In this article, I will do just that- step by step. 

I will share the exact things you will need to do in order to start your own school and put you in the BEST position to be successful. 

Most information on starting a school will say that it’s a lengthy, expensive, and complicated process. My experience was different.  

I wouldn’t say it’s easy. It is work! This will be an investment of your time, money, and faith. But it’s totally doable and I want to help you on your journey. 

If you have this limiting belief, put it to rest now. This doesn’t have to be a super expensive proposition, depending on your strategy and how you decide to scale.

I am going to take you step-by-step through what you have to do to start the process of starting a school. 

Please keep in mind, however, that some things will differ by state and you will have to do research on your own in those instances. 

Before you start, take the time to watch the video below. I want you to know why I am giving all this information away…for FREE and why I charge for some products.

Make no mistake about it—this isn’t some bait and switch. Following these steps will help you create the school business of your dreams and you DON’T have to buy anything.

Nevertheless, teachers and others who are ready to take action will eagerly invest because it will save them so much time. 

When you purchase any of my products, you are paying for convenience. 

I couldn’t dare charge for the process because I believe in this movement for every teacher who has been burned out by an unrealistic, outdated school system and for every child who has not benefited from the promise of “No Child Left Behind.”

In addition, this 12-step process that I’ve designed can be used by anyone who wants to open micro-schools, nonaccredited schools, learning pods, and even homeschools.

It will also help with online school programs. 

Just know that depending on what your vision is, some things may or may not need to be done.

This will be a very long article. So I’ve included the steps up front and each step is clickable so that you can find your place more easily.

12 Steps on How to Start a School of Your Dreams

There are twelve steps to take to start a school; however, there are only eleven if you’re not going to get accredited. Here is a complete list:

• Find Community
• Determine Type of School 
• Create An Advisory Board
• Design Your School’s Curriculum
• Requirements To Open A School (Legal/Operational)
• Develop A Fundraising Strategy 
• Create Your Budget And Business Plan
• Address Your Staffing Needs
• Select The Right Facility To Start Your School
• Develop Your School’s Policies and Procedures
• Select an Accrediting Body (Optional)
• Develop a Marketing Plan

As you go through these steps, some will be accompanied by a video. Other times I may point you to another source or even share documents with you. 

As I mentioned above, I may even offer some resources at a small price to take the load off you. However, they are optional and only designed to help you along. 

You can totally do this without buying anything from me.

It would benefit you to watch these videos, however, as they will give more details where writing will not be able to communicate everything.

Before we get started, let me address this search term that I’ve seen way too much.

How To Start A School Without Money

Although there are some strategies you can take to start a school that will not require a lot of funds, one can’t expect to start a school without any money.

Your school is a business. Any serious entrepreneur knows that there will be some type of startup investment cost, even if it’s just for basic business management tools .

However, many of the steps above can be completed without spending anything. 

So, if you are serious, you can start the process to ensure it’s truly something you want to do before making a considerable investment of money. 

There will come a time, however, when you will have to make investments.

If you are someone who is low on funds, I suggest going through all the steps and completing as much as you can. 

Next, I highly suggest that you watch this video to understand and determine where you are in the process of being ready to start a school business.

Now you are ready. Let’s jump in!

How To Start A School Business 

Step 1. find community .

If you truly are determined that you are all in on this process, the first thing I suggest you do is find other people who are taking this journey. 

This is my number-one piece of advice. Still, many will ignore it. Please don’t let it be you. This journey can be so lonely. 

It doesn’t matter if they are across town or out of state. But it is vitally important for several reasons:

• It provides support. Trust me, you will encounter moments of discouragement. Having a community will help you fight feelings of hopelessness that may come on this journey. It can also help celebrate those small victories. It’s one thing to have support from family and friends, but it’s another thing to have it from people who know and understand.
• It provides connection and belonging. Togetherness is so critical to our experience as humans. Connecting with others who share some of our values, interests, and worldviews helps us understand that we are not alone.
• It provides an opportunity for us to share, give back, and learn from one another. Let’s face it, teachers are some of the most giving people there are. It’s in us to want to give back. I believe it’s an innate desire. There is so much I am still learning from the many teachers in our Teacher School Builders Community . For example, people are often finding new, easier, and less expensive ways to do so many things as it relates to creating and running private schools. I can’t possibly keep on top of all the changes. But I come close because of connections who share my ideals.  

Don’t underestimate the importance of finding a crew who understands and who can speak to you wherever you are. 

The networking opportunities among you will prove to be invaluable. Besides, if you have questions about these steps, you can find me in Teacher School Builders (wink). 

I wish I could give you an open invitation to our community. We want to be a safe place for serious, committed, and passionate people interested in taking this journey together.

Only those who invest in any of my products will be invited to join our community. However, you are totally welcome to sign up for my newsletter . 

I’ve been known to give out freebies to those who read and keep up-to-date with my emails. Also, I still give LOTS of helpful resources and value to my list.

Step 2 . Determine what type of school you want.

This step is twofold. I don’t want to assume that we are on the same page, knowing what type of school I am trying to position you to start. Therefore, let me make it clear.

Ideally, one can start a charter school. This is NOT the type of school I help teachers create. 

A charter school is a HUGE undertaking. In addition, it’s expensive and, in some situations, will need to be approved by your local school board. The application is ridiculous too.

We are not even building your typical, well-established, rooted-in-money private school. (It could for sure turn into one.) 

Although what I am helping you to create is technically a private school , you most likely are a one- or two-man team.

Right now, you may not have a lot of resources, but your business structure will be that of a private school. We will talk more about your business structure later.

Thus, for many of you, it will be a micro-school. In other words, a small school that serves generally 5 and upwards of 150 students.

It can be religious or non-religious. Some of you will want a for-profit, while others will choose to start a non-profit. Some of you will take the extra step to become accredited.

If you want to call it a learning pod or homeschool, so be it.

I encourage you to watch this video if you haven’t already. It talks about this more in context. (This video has been on my channel for a while, so you may have seen it.)

Now that we are on the same page, what type of school do you envision? Will it be K–12? How about a middle school or high school only? Who will you serve? 

Plan With The End In Mind

This is the fun part! I am a dreamer and I hope you are too. 

This is where you get to dream up the best school you can imagine to serve your ideal student(s) well.

Maybe you want a day school or virtual program. Is your vision a Montessori or a specialized school for students with learning differences?

It’s ok, create your ideal school on paper. Dream big! 

Your vision may be to one day operate a K-12 program, but you may start off with either elementary, middle, or high. 

You may even start with K-12 in a more modern one-room schoolhouse concept. 

The possibilities are endless. 

I would start with the end from the beginning here. However, actual implementation may be in stages. Again, dream big on paper.

Just know that it’s better to actually start a small school business and grow into your long-range vision of your school. 

The cool part about this is that you are the architect.  

I totally went against the grain and started with high school first. However, I knew from the beginning that I would work with 3rd-12th by the time my dream was fully realized.

Within about two years, I worked my way down to middle school. Eventually, I will start to teach elementary.

Before I walk you through creating your school’s identity, let me take the time to answer a question I get asked A LOT .

But how did you know what type of school to start ?

People often ask me, “How do I arrive at knowing what type of school is needed or wanted?” 

Well, I have two different answers for you to consider. Knowing what school to create can come from what I call a calling and/or a business strategy. 

The business person in me says, “Search for parents who are interested in having an alternative education for their children.”

Survey these parents and maybe even some teachers in the area too. What is it that they want or need for the area?

How are the schools in the area? Are they meeting the needs of all students? If not, where they are not may be an opportunity for you.

My friend and fellow school founder, Tiffany of The Village Schools , realized in her area there was a need for quality Christian schools that were also culturally relevant. She fills the gap.

I have another friend and fellow school founder, ToNya of Kipe Academy , who realized in her area that the local school system wasn’t meeting the needs of students who had learning gaps and learning disabilities very well. 

By focusing her school on strengthening skills, she fills that gap.

A good business move or sound business decision is to start a school that there is demand for in your area. 

Trust me! Just because you build it doesn’t mean that they will come. So you may want to make sure your school is wanted.

On the other hand, I allowed my Call from God to determine the type of school I created . 

I LOVE working with students who learn differently. 

More specifically, I LOVE working with those from middle- and lower-income households who can’t afford the “traditional” private schools but desperately need their flexibility and smaller community where everyone is seen and heard.

I want you to follow your passion, and I want you to succeed too. However, assess the actual need for a school in your area. 

Are the public schools performing well or poorly? Can families in your community afford to pay tuition? 

Depending on where you live, a private school may or may not generate enough interest. Seriously, consider this. 

Knowing what type of school you want will help you decide what type of curriculum you will use later. So it’s important to establish this now.

Don’t worry! Nothing is set in stone; if you need to change it later, you can.

Let’s Create Your School’s Identity

When you are creating your school’s identity, you need to do the following:

• Identify your niche.
• Choose a school name.
• Create your school’s brand

Remember: “Brand is just a perception, and perception will match reality over time.”

When creating your brand, start with the end from the beginning. You don’t want to leave any stone unturned. 

In order to do this, you have to develop a strong brand. Your name matters. Who you are building your school for matters and even colors matter.

It would be too much to help you build the perfect brand here so I am sharing the video I created for teachers who paid to be in my Beta Course to fill this gap. 

By the way, against the advice of many, I decided not to create the course and sell it. It just didn’t feel right. 

Anyway, don’t skip the video!!! Seriously!

It will walk you through questions and things you need to think about to create a solid school identity, including your brand.

In the video, I referenced “homework” and you can find that information here .

I do advise using this resource after watching the video. 

I actually use my school as an example for you to help make the process easier. Allow it to help your creative juices flow.

Step 2 Wrap-up Checklist

This step has really laid the foundation for your school. 

So please, please ensure that you have completed it. It will only make it harder later on if you don’t. 

The information will eventually build on each other. Much of the information in this step will be needed for other areas later on. 

If you do it now and do it right, I PROMISE it will make it easier when you are developing your business plan, applying for grants, and getting your marketing materials together.

Ensure that you have done the following:

• Did you read this entire section?
• Did you watch the entire video?
• Did you access the “homework” mentioned in the video? Click here!
• Did you leave no stone unturned? 

Great! We are ready for the next step. It’s a process, I know, but if you are one of the few who actually do the work, you will eventually have yourself a school.

Step 3. Create an advisory board

Please understand the difference between an advisory board and a community, as I discussed above in step one. 

Many of you, like me, are the visionaries of your school. You are the founder. We need to be in a community with each other but we also need other people to help carry out our vision.

When you form your board, you will seek people who support your vision. 

They will hopefully use their gifts and talents to help you achieve your vision for the school. 

This group will empower you. But they will have less stack in your business. Most likely, they will not see the daily ends and outs.

Who are the ideal people you need on your advisory board? 

I would ask a few parents and other influential people in the community. 

It would be great if they had a heart for education or young people. However, they don’t have to. But they need to have skills that will help you develop your school business.

I would ask members of your community who have financial, legal, management, and building experience. 

You can ask people who are on the boards of other foundations or people who work for these foundations. 

Why? Because they know what you don’t know. Or, they know the people you don’t know but need to know.

Connections are key. One of these people could very well connect you to a resource that you will need. You are always one connection away from what you need.

This group can become the core of your first board of directors. We will talk about this later. 

In the meantime, an advisory board can give you advice in their specific areas of expertise. 

They can provide feedback as you make decisions about your school and help you navigate legal and technical things.

Reaching Out To Get Your Advisors On Board

Now you should know exactly who you potentially want on your advisory board. 

It’s time to reach out to them and make the BIG ask. 

Do you remember the work you did in step two? Now you will be using some of it.

Although I call this the BIG ask, it’s not what you think. Don’t ask them for their skill set or money just yet.

You want to invite them to a meeting to learn more about your school and how they can be on your board of advisors. 

There are several ways to do this. Just select the way that is more comfortable for you or more appropriate for the way you may or may not know the person. 

Send an email, make a phone call, or invite them to lunch.

Before doing so, you will want to create a one-pager. 

Using the information from step two , describe your mission and the need for your school. Don’t forget a short introduction of yourself. Make it compelling . 

You want to make it as short as possible. People don’t like to read anymore. 

Do make it long enough, however, to explain this awesome endeavor you are embarking on that will benefit the community.

Please DO NOT overload them with all the information from step two. 

Just give enough to get to a group in-person or Zoom meeting where you will go into more detail about your school and your vision for it.

It will be at this meeting where you will talk more about why they are needed and invite them to use their skill and wisdom to help you complete the process of building your school.

If they are interested, be sure that you get a commitment of time,  financial support, or their skills donated to your organization. 

If you are a non-profit or going to become one, their donation(s) of time and money may become a write-off for them.

Step 3 Wrap-up Checklist of How To Start A Private School

Completing this step will save you time and money. TRUST me! People always want to help a good cause. You just need to find the ones that do and make the Big Ask .

Before moving on, ensure you have done the following:

• Watched the video .
• Created a list of idea advisors 
• Reached out to this group
• Set your meeting date to cast your vision and get them on board 

Step 4 Design Your School’s Curriculum

“In America, we have 19th-century school conditions and a curriculum that prepares our kids for the 1990s.” 

These words were spoken by Heidi Hayes Jacobs and there has never been anything stated that was truer. 

I am convinced that the curriculum/standards (pacing) are a huge part of why children are not learning as they should and why well-meaning teachers are pulling their hair out.

I will actually link another video from our Beta Class that will go into this subject in detail below.

However, here is where you have the opportunity to be very innovative and create a program that will truly speak to the type of school you are building.

Understand that you don’t have to use the same curriculums that you used in public education. In fact, I warn against it- at least in some instances. 

Instead, truly use things that will support your learners and would further your school’s mission.

Some people develop their own curriculum, if this isn’t your wheelhouse, don’t do it. It can be more headache than it’s worth.

I use a variety of things. I go into detail in the video below.

Step 4  Wrap-up Checklist of How To Start A Private School

• Study the curriculum requirements of starting a school for your state.
• Create a one-pager of your curriculum.
• Start the process of creating a course catalog, especially if you are doing high school.
• Research learning and management systems. 

Step 5 Requirements To Open A School (Legal or Operational)  

Another key step is to determine what your business structure will be. Will you be a sole proprietor? 

I do not recommend this. It’s best to put separation between you and the school.

With that said, you will most likely be a limited liability company or a partnership if someone is working with you. There is also the option of being a non-profit. 

File incorporation papers with your Secretary of State. You can have your business formation done for you accurately, quickly, and affordably for convenience.

The lawyer on your advisory board, if you have been able to get one, should be able to handle this for you or point you in the right direction to someone who can. 

If you have to do it on your own, it’s not hard. I filed on my own, howbeit I had to make a few changes to the amendments, but I got it done.

There are costs associated with the filing, but nothing outrageous. But if you do have a lawyer on your team, he or she could donate their legal services to the cause.

For Profit or Non-Profit

Deciding for or against a nonprofit is critical. As a nonprofit, it’s much easier to fundraise. People will give money much more readily to a legal entity or institution as opposed to a person. 

If you decide to establish your own proprietary school, you will be on your own when it comes to raising money.

If you do decide on the nonprofit, you will have to apply for tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status from the IRS. 

This is a process. For your sake, I hope your lawyer can handle this application. I actually hired someone to do mine. Money well spent, as I didn’t have time to learn that process. 

No matter who does it, submit it as early in the process as you can so that you can begin to solicit tax-deductible contributions. 

People and businesses will definitely take your fundraising efforts much more favorably if you are a recognized tax-exempt organization.

Tax-exempt status might also help with local taxes. Check your individual state.

I go into more detail as well as discuss other legal requirements in the video below:

Video Coming

Advertising Disclosure: A few links in this article may contain affiliate links. I earn a small amount of commission if you decide to go with my recommendation at NO COST to you. I recommend services that I trust and that is why there are very few in my articles. Funds are used to continue to grow my micro-school.

Step 5  Wrap-up Checklist of How To Start A Private School

• Study the requirements of starting a school for your state.
• Watch the video I did for my beta class on this topic.
• Read this detailed post I wrote to help you understand your options for a business structure and get your business formation done at an affordable rate.
• Optional: Coming Soon…

Step 6 Funding Options Develop A Fundraising Strategy 

Most of your school’s income will come from tuition at the beginning. Of course, this is outside of your start-up cost. 

I have plans to develop a mini course that will guide you through thinking about different funding options. Let me know in the comments if you might be interested.

It will cover grants (some you don’t have to be a nonprofit to get) and cost-effective strategies you can use when starting with a lower budget. 

In fact, read this article on the best business management tools I use. Omella allows me to collect 100% of my tuition without ANY platform or transaction fees.

Nevertheless, you will need a well-thought-out plan of how you will generate money from multiple streams.

Sorry, bake sales and car washes are not going to cut the mustard. Although they may still have their place, you will not have enough students to make something like that successful.

Developing A Fundraising Strategy 

You need a strategic fundraising plan. Ideally, you and the team can work together to come up with a well-thought-out, creative plan that will work for your specific school.

At Triumph School , we love to include the kids. We like to show them off. So we hosted a Nightmare on Main Street , which was a haunted schoolhouse in the month of October. 

Here is how we did it:

Although I wasn’t as strategic when we did Nightmare on Main Street, it was still a huge success in terms of the overall impact on our students’ learning. Also, did I mention we raised a little over $1K?

For fundraisers we completed after that, we tried to be more purposeful and strategic by actually creating a plan beforehand. 

What to Include in Your Plan

Over at Donor Box , they identified the following steps as a starting point for creating a strategic plan:

• Include your mission
• Create objectives
• Build a team
• Find funding options for different donor types
• Use new marketing techniques
• Research campaigns by others
• Start online fundraising 

Including well-planned appeals to foundations and local philanthropists in your plan can pay off. If you can afford it, I would hire a professional to help write proposals and identify donors. 

These documents are the gifts that keep on giving because you can use them over and over again.  

If you do have to change them, it would only be small things. Nevertheless, you will use them over and over again. 

A well-thought-out and implemented plan can pay off big time.  

However, I totally wrote my first few grants myself. Triumph has been awarded over $200K on my efforts alone.

I am just starting to seek “professional” help because it can be time-consuming. 

I hope that passing it on to someone who is more knowledgeable will help in the long run with getting more money and causing me fewer gray hairs.

Nevertheless, not only can a well-thought-out plan help you meet your fundraising goals, but it can also help you build a deeper connection with your donors.

The Village Schools

Establishing a connection with your donors is powerful. To give you an example, I donated to The Village Schools because I just love the founder and her vision and mission. 

About five days after making my online donation, I got a package in the mail. It was from The Village Schools. 

Inside the package was a little stuffed animal with the following written on his shirt, “Thanks for being a friend of The Village Schools. 

She hooked me! I felt so important and like a friend …I felt a connection. It most likely will not be my last time donating. 

Nevertheless, she wants everyone to walk away feeling like I did. 

It’s part of her strategic fundraising plan. She also included a handwritten letter. This is also part of her plan. Super creative!

I learned all this the hard way and one of the hardest lessons I learned was building long-term relationships with donors.

They gave a donation; I said thanks and that was it. In the beginning, I had no way to keep track of them and follow up with them. 

Now I know better! I update my donors every so often on new and exciting things we are doing and/or the latest progress with our students. 

I send birthday greetings, I was just thinking of you or anything to let them know I value them and not just the check they write.

In order to do this, I needed an easy way to store their information to make it easy to send these updates. That is where Donor Box comes in.

You can research it yourself; however, it has been the lowest cost management plan I’ve found to date to easily accept donations and keep up with my donors. 

There are no contracts and no set-up fees. You can ask your donors to pay the fees and when they do, it costs you nothing. It is also really easy to use.

Step 6  Wrap-up Checklist of How To Start A Private School

• Book recommendation- The Little Book of Gold – This is an amazing book and although it’s geared to nonprofits the information can be used by any educational business.
• Create a fundraising plan. To see how this looks when actually applied to a fundraising event watch this video.  **Video Coming Soon….
• Research Donor Box and set up an account (no contracts or fees to set up) and start asking for donations.
• Determine if the mini-course (Coming Soon) can help you by shortening your learning curve.

UPDATE: I just discovered Give Lively , and I am still researching it; however, I am now realizing that although Donor Box advertises a “free” version, it charges a platform and processing fee.

However, Give Lively only has the processing fee. Now, Give Lively isn’t a CRM whereas Donor Box does act as one.

Step 7: Create Your Budget And Private School Business Plan

Don’t stress! You got this and I am here to help.

Guess what else? You will pull some of the information you completed in step two to help you complete this document.

Can you see how this is all coming together now? I sure hope so. Moving on… 

A business plan is important because it will serve as your blueprint for how your school is going to operate. 

However, it doesn’t have to be perfect nor do I believe you have to outsource this, at least not right now.

The reason why I don’t feel it’s a life-or-death document at this point is that I wouldn’t recommend getting a loan. But I do recommend you put one together. 

People will take you more seriously as you work to establish your first board. 

Your plan will show how well-prepared you are. It can also keep you focused as you cast your vision to the community as well as others from whom you seek support.

In addition, this would be a great project to lead your advisory board through. 

It would be awesome to have someone on your advisory board who is an expert who could actually complete this or take the lead on leading your advisory board through completing one. 

If not, no worries! 

I have an excellent resource for you that will help you put yours together with all the components you will need right now.  

School Business Plan Sample PDF Template

If you are in need of a private school business plan (PDF) template that will guide you with instructions to create your own school business plan please consider supporting me by purchasing here .

My private school business plan sample template has it all outlined for you with instructions on what to put in each section. 

If you are interested, you can purchase the business plan template or you can purchase both the template and budget template, which you will read more about below. 

Create Your Budget  

Great news here! If you do your business plan well enough this will be done. 

However, you should still read this first. 

The budget which is part of the business plan is extremely important. I don’t want to minimize this.

When I developed my budget, I focused on 3 years operating budget. You can do the same or focus on one year at a time.

I was very detailed with my expenses and income projections. 

I feel like you are a little tired of me talking about this advisory board, but the financial person on your advisory board should be responsible for developing this critical document. 

So hopefully you have someone in mind for this. If not, my template you time. 

In fact, even if you had someone create it, it will still save them time on researching line items that will need to be included.  

As you project your assumptions about income from tuition, fundraising, and grants, be conservative. Factor in some wriggle room in case things don’t go as planned.

I separated expenditures into three categories. I’ve seen some that only do two. 

If you are in need of a budget that lists everything you will need starting out and in the future, please consider supporting me by purchasing my template ***Coming soon…

Step 7  Wrap-up Checklist of How To Start A Private School

Video Coming Soon….

• Business Plan PDF Template

Step 8: Addressing Your Staffing Needs

You are most likely starting small. I still suggest laying the groundwork for when you are ready to hire staff.

I also suggest avoiding being the one-man show. This may mean you have someone part-time or, better yet, a volunteer who can give you a few hours a week.

Will You Be Head of School?

I have assumed that you will be the Head of the School. If you are not going to be the one who will run day-to-day operations, I suggest you identify someone soon.

It is critical to attract skilled faculty and your Head of School should be involved in that process. 

So, if this person isn’t you, identify them as soon as possible.

Start by writing job descriptions for the Head of School position. Do the same for faculty positions. 

These descriptions should be specific to your vision/mission and the type of school you are creating.

I recommend that you look for self-starters who enjoy building something from scratch. 

Ideally, most will shoot for certified instructors, but in many states, they don’t have to be. 

I have hired amazing certified and non-certified teachers and some not-so-amazing of them both.

Please understand that a certified teacher doesn’t equate to an excellent teacher and a non-certified teacher doesn’t equate to a bad one or one who isn’t as good.

The question you should be asking is, “What Makes an Effective Teacher?” Hire effective teachers. Click on Effective Teachers in Microschools , to learn what to look for in your staff.

One way to attract great employees and volunteers is to sell them on the vision of your school. 

If your school is filling an identifiable need in the community, people will love the opportunity to be a solution.

You may be worried about paying competitive compensation. It can be an issue, but I also think there are many people who like the idea of flexibility. 

I also think retirees are a good group that goes untapped for volunteer and paid part-time positions.

Watch the video below to find out how and where to get volunteers, leads on where to find potential teachers for paid positions, and determine what staff may look like for future growth.

In addition, as a bonus in the upcoming mini-funding course, I will create and share several affordable ways you can incorporate certified teachers without breaking the bank and models to attract talented staff.

Step 9: Select The Right Facility To Start Your School

Step 10: develop your school’s policies and procedures, step 11: select an accrediting body (optional), step 12: develop a marketing plan.

You can’t afford to get this wrong. Many times we think we can just build it and they will come. Well, that is NOT true. Not by a long shot. 

You have to promote, promote and promote some more.

A marketing plan includes all your school’s marketing goals and objectives combined into a single comprehensive plan. 

If you’ve developed your business plan already, much of that information can be pulled from there. 

The plan will include detailed information on how it’s going to achieve its marketing goals. 

Part of that plan could be advertising for students using billboards and using ads on social media. 

Designing a website and setting up a mailing list to keep interested parents and even current parents informed should also be part of the plan. 

The website doesn’t have to be expensive. You could do it yourself. I would suggest having a blog attached to your website too.  

The best marketing is FREE and a blog can help you get in Google’s search engine. Too much to go into here, but maybe one day soon I’ll create a video to explain more.

Having a mailing list is essential. I use Convert Kit because they have a free plan for up to 1,000 emails. I’ve used MailChimp in the past, but it’s too complicated for me.

Using Convert Kit, allows me to send monthly newsletters easily. 

You want to keep your parents and potential parents updated with what’s going on in your school, especially those parents who are on the fence about your school.

I’ve had parents “date” me for an entire year before enrolling their child. But what convinced them, in the end, was all the success stories in my newsletters. 

Having a mailing list just makes it so much easier. Convert Kit does a lot of awesome things too. You can great landing pages too and more.   

Marketing is one of those things where you need to be consistent. You may not see any results from your labor immediately, but it does pay off. 

It can be expensive, but it’s more expensive NOT to have a plan and not follow it. You have to be creative to get it all done.

I believe in working smarter, not harder. I created a marketing presentation. Unfortunately, I have yet to do a complete “professional” marketing plan.

However, with the information in my business plan and my marketing presentation , I am good for right now. But, I am always improving my knowledge of the marketing process.

I recently wrote an article that will help you increase your enrollment. Read Small School Marketing Strategies for 11 of the best strategies for small schools.

Anyway, I like the way the marketing presentation is laid out. It’s not a lot of reading, which most people don’t like to read. 

I use it in live presentations and I actually send this to people when I am trying to get sponsorships, backing from small community businesses, and recruiting board members. 

If you are interested, you can find it here . Right now it’s a PDF, but in the future, I will make it so that you can customize it to fit your brand. With the PDF version, you will still get to see the same strategies I use to market my school and the key points donors want to know. 

Congrats!!!! You’ve Done It- Well A Lot Of It

**If this has been helpful, please consider giving me a tip . It helps me to be able to continue to devote time to giving away free content. Click here! **

Wrap-up how to start a school .

At the beginning of this article, I promised I would share steps on how to start a school. I identified and went into detail on the following steps:

• Determine Type Of School
• Design Your School Curriculum
• Funding Options
• Develop Your School’s Policies And Procedures
• Select An Accrediting Body (OPTIONAL)
• Develop A Marketing Plan

This process can seem overwhelming. It looks more intimidating than it really is. 

I tried to beat the horse over the head with the different members you may consider for your advisory board. 

Unfortunately, I personally did these steps by myself. However, I would NOT recommend you do that. In fact, I am going back now to try to establish a solid board. 

Your success will be greater as you get others to buy into your vision EARLY. 

So, take the time needed to sell your advisory board, parents, community, and staff on the school’s vision.

Lastly, if this article has been helpful, please let me know below with a comment and share it with ALL the teachers you know who are interested in starting their very own school business. 

Also, here is a complete list of the products I have for sale. 

Remember, these are to cut your learning curve so that you can get through this process faster. However, I am always appreciative of your support when you invest in my products.

List of products: More Coming Soon….

• Marketing Presentation PDF
• Business Plan Template PDF
• School Identity Homework PDF

I hope this was helpful. If you don’t know me, you can learn a little more h ere .

61 Comments

This was some GREAT information! Thank you Cindy! I will be sharing this with my colleagues

Thank you and please do. My goal is to be a wealth of information for anyone wishing to embark upon this journey.

Thank you for taking the time to write this out. This is extremely helpful for me to keep what you have learned and tried already as my base line.

I’m interested

Amazing, I am interested and it’s really helpful for me.

Happy I can be of help!!!

I am thrilled by your start.

Thank you!!!

I want to build my school

Go for it!!!

I have just completed a 8000 word true story regarding why we started our own Afterschool Program that ran for 20 years and brought in hundreds of thousands of dollars in Grant Money in Jersey City, New Jersey. This program ran for over twenty years and serviced hundreds of minority children. In New Jersey there is money available from both State and Federal sources if you are a Registered Non-Profit Corporation and have the guts to apply and operate the project. If interested on how we did it get in touch with me at [email protected] and I’ll send along my true story.

We started this project because several teachers were removed from the Bd. of Ed. afterschool jobs and replaced with ‘favorite sons’ so to speak. We moved on and they failed.

This is wonderful. I would love to hear your story.

Cindy, I just came across this great information by chance. Thank you so much for sharing.

You are so welcome. I see that you are Rev. David Chanda. By chance are you looking to start a school via your church? I personally believe that there is a gap in education that the Church could help fill for kids via microschools. I would love to hear your vision if you are interested in starting a school. My I reach out?

You are so welcome.

I discovered you on YouTube because I started my own Non-Profit/ Private School 15 years ago and it’s going great. I’m currently expanding and deciding to invest in a building. I’m also trying to decide to I want to switch to charter school or public school to get the funding to help the students to attend the school if they do not have the funding. Your video is very helpful. Keep up the work.

Thank you and what is your school name? Do you have a website or social media platform where I can connect? Charter might be a little work, but it is worth it to get the funding. I would just need a team of people and I am not there yet. Also, does your state have school choice voucher programs? I get funding from this.

Hey Cindy. I came on again to refresh myself so I can be better prepared to respond to the group you created. Thank you for sharing your expertise free. If a school builder follows the knowledge you have shared, I have no doubt they will be successful. You have provided some real hope to some educators that desire to be school builders. As we know, the pandemic has magnified the need for parents to have choices. To me educating a child should not be the same for every child. It is not like everyone wears the same size shoe. I am an advocate for “choice” in education. For too long, public education has been the dominant choice. There are so many other entities to consider such as private school, homeschool, micro school, co op schools/programs, charter schools, hybrid schools and more. Again thank you for this valuable resource that makes the journey of becoming a school builder possible. I am a cheerleader for life.

Awww… such an encouraging post for me and it lets me know I am on the right track for what’s next. This article will be updated even more within the next two to three weeks. Sign up for the newsletter and I will announce it there. But the videos I did for the Beta course back in the spring will be released…for free. At the end of the day, I am not a sales person, I am a teacher who believes in this wave of choice and even more for teachers starting their own small schools. I know how passionate I am about education, but how ineffective I felt I was in the system. My kids are so much better off in my small school than they ever were in public schools. All teachers desire the opportunity to be their best and educate kids the way they need it to be their best. Thanks for your kind words.

Powerful information. Am now good to go. I can see clearly now where I want to go

Thank you!! I am happy it has helped!!

Thank you for all of this information. I definitely will be using the steps to start planning my dream school.

Good luck!!! You got this.

My wife asked me to assist her with her idea of building a boarding school that will focus on leadership and entrepreneurship here in South Africa. The school will accommodate 90% of paying learners and 10% non-paying learners from poor families.

This is amazing!!! I hope all goes well and that this helps!

I am a 55 year old missionary in Zambia, Africa. I taught school in the states for ten years.

I am building a private Christian School by faith in “the bush” with no electricity and a hand pump for water. I am currently conducting classes in two small classrooms at the back of a church. The village where I stay has approximately 400 families; a good manageable amount of children for a small rural school. I believe, we will eventually become a boarding school, but we have to walk one step at a time.

I truly believe God is going to send the provision for us to build a k-12 school this year. 🙂

Sizwe Mkhaliphi, can you give me any advice?

Our students are 100 percent supported by sponsors. I have been begging my friends and family back home to support a child at 150.00 per year so that I can finance the project until we can establish a cotton patch and a cloth factory for the villagers to make the school dependent on the business. There are so few opportunities in the bush for employment and I believe this will greatly increase the lives of all the villagers.

Thanks for taking time to read. God bless. Susan Stout

This is awesome!! I will add my prayers of agreement. Do you have any social media platforms I can follow?

Very informative . But please is it advisable to start a school while you still have a job or for an effective start you need to quiet the job, or can you partner someone to start whiles you still keep your job?

I am ALL for partnering, period!! Here is the thing, you can plan your school and get everything in place while you are working. One of the teachers in my group has done just that. She started last January and this is her last year teaching in public school. She was very intentional about putting everything in place while she was still working; however, when she opens doors this coming school year she would have resigned from her teacher position. Of course, if you wanted to have students someone would need to be there to teach them. So, if not you are still working and would like to open you would have to have someone there. I don’t think it much matter, it generally depends on your situation. Hope this helps!!

Hi I was reading your article about starting your own private school and it said there were some things we could buy that would make the process easier for us, however I couldn’t find where those items were. I am super interested in buying anything that will help make the process of starting a school easier for me. Please let me know thank you

Hello Kahley, I hope all is well. So, yes; however, the article and some of those products are still in progress. However, I do have some ready. They are actually linked in the blog. The process is all written in the blog and the free checklist will help. Before buying anything, I would go through step by step and complete the steps and buy once you get to that point. If you need coaching, I might be doing that later on. The demand right now is just to great. If you have questions, list them here and I will do my best to answer them if I can do so via responding back. Here is what I have so far:The check list is free: https://subscribe.theldcoach.com/sign-up

The school business plan: https://subscribe.theldcoach.com/products/school-business-plan

The marketing plan: https://subscribe.theldcoach.com/products/marketing-presentation-pitch

Links to these are all in the blog.

I like to open my computer school for children. Where should i start and register. I have computer qualification and i want to pass to the coming generation. Must i start at department of education? Then for certificate where must i consult to show that they passed

The first one

Read the article, it should give you direction.

Great advice.

Thank you!!

I am in the process of opening a school in africa,. I truelly find courage and inspiration in you article

Please keep me posted. I would love to follow any social media platforms you have.

Hi I learned a lot and I like to open a school like after care to help them with homeworks Because some children they are slow ,I will like to help them so that they must enjoy school .

Yes!! Like a learning center. i encourage you to do it. Parents are looking for places like this. We are getting ready to start-up our TRIUMPH after-school tutoring program in the fall. We will tutor reading and math and do homework help.

How can I speak to you further? I would love to open my own private school for my community. I already own a childcare center

Danielle that is wonderful. I love to hear this and it will be an easy transition. I no longer have the capacity to speak with everyone individually. I do try to answer people’s questions on my videos and this blog when I see it. I am also activate on my Facebook page Cindy Lumpkin, The LD Coach. Join my newsletter and I will start doing pop-up Zooms. But I can’t promise when it will be.

I’m glad to hear information about new opportunities. I like to find out if you can assist though I’m in South Africa

Hi, I am sorry. However, I only know how things work in the US with starting a school.

I am so excited about beginning this journey of starting my own school. I have ideas but having someone guide you through the process is exciting. I have been a certified teacher for almost twenty years. I have a Master’s in Elementary Education and Administration and Supervision. I have been through a Leadership Academy. However, I don’t want to work for a district, I want to create my own educational business. I have prayed about this for a few years, but I have been hesitant about stepping out of my comfort zone. I feel that now is the time.

Go for it!!!! You will do an amazing job.

Hi Cindy This is a great inspiration not just for teachers but for us homeschooling moms and dads. I would love to share my story and get some feedback from you. I live in Massachusetts so the Private school rules are a bit more flexible.

Sorry it has taken me so long. I would love to hear your story!!!

Hi Cindy I am interested in this as business but the interest is to start university now starting from uniform school that will feed the university

Amazing idea!!! I use to want a university too, but focusing with my k-12 until is stable without me.

This is very helpful. Will definitely follow it and adapt to my environment here in Africa

Awesome!!! I don’t know the specifics, but yes there is a lot of general information you can use to open a wonderful school in Africa. Please keep me posted on your progress.

Wonderful!!! Let me know of other things that I can help you with, especially if I can write about it.

Great ideas for those who desire to create school and currently in education bussiness. Thank you!

You are so welcome!!!

Hello Cindy, So I read this book called Explorer Academy and I thought to myself wow I wish there was a school like that. So I decided to make that school real. This post was very helpful to me and I hope someday someone gets famous for what they accomplished at my school.

Sincerely, Joe

As the eternal optimist that I am, I believe it will happen. What is your school’s website? I love learning about other programs.

How can I get in touch with you.

After finding you on YouTube I am very much motivated to start a small private school. This is my email address and I would like to buy the sample of your business plan and others. Email: [email protected]

Am happy to hear form you soon.

Thank you. Miss. Kiniye Lepi

Hello, I don’t have my personal plan for sale; however, their is a link to a business plan template with complete directions for each part.

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Submit Comment

School Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

School Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 500 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their schools.

If you’re unfamiliar with creating a school business plan, you may think creating one will be a time-consuming and frustrating process. For most entrepreneurs it is, but for you, it won’t be since we’re here to help. We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a great business plan.

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write a school business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is a School Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your school as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a School

If you’re looking to start a school or grow your existing school, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your school to improve your chances of success. Your school business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Schools

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for schools are donations and gifts, tuition, personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for schools.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for a school.

If you want to start a school or expand your current one, you need a business plan. The guide below details the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your school business plan.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of school you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a school that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of schools?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.

• Give a brief overview of the school industry.
• Discuss the type of school you are operating.
• Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers.
• Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team.
• Offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of school you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of schools:

• Private K-12 school : this type of school typically charges tuition, and may be affiliated with a religious organization, or specialize in a particular learning method.
• Charter school: this type of school offers primary or secondary education for a tuition, and may receive some public funding, and/or donations. These schools require their students to take state-mandated exams.
• Special subject school: this type of school specializes in teaching a specific subject, such as driving, first-aid, self-defense, fine arts, language, or general tutoring.
• Preschool: this type of school typically serves children who are aged 3 and 4. These schools prepare young children to enter formal education, and are funded by some combination of tuition, donations, and government grants.

In addition to explaining the type of school you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of students served, the number of students accepted into elite formal education institutions, etc.
• Your legal business Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the school industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the school industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends.

The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your school business plan:

• How big is the school industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your school? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your school business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: families with elementary-aged children, families with high-school-aged children, families with preschool children.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of school you operate. Clearly, families with high schoolers would respond to different marketing promotions than families with preschoolers, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

Finish Your School Business Plan in 1 Day!

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your business plan?

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other schools.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This includes public schools, virtual schools, and families who do homeschooling. You need to mention such competition as well.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as

• What types of students do they serve?
• What type of school are they?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide specialized instruction, either in subject or in method?
• Will you offer courses or services that your competition doesn’t?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a school business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of school that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you provide religious-focused K-8 education, college preparatory courses, or single-subject instruction like driving or fine arts?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your plan, you are presenting the courses and/or extracurricular activities you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the site of your school. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your school located in a growing neighborhood, in the city center, or will you operate purely online? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your school marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertise in local papers, radio stations and/or magazines
• Reach out to websites
• Distribute flyers
• Engage in email marketing
• Advertise on social media platforms
• Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) on your website for targeted keywords

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your school, including answering calls, planning and delivering instruction, applying for grants, fundraising, performing administrative tasks, overseeing instructors, handling discipline, scheduling and monitoring extracurricular activities, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to enroll your Xth student, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your school to a new city.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your school’s potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing schools. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in running a school or experience with public school administration or who has served on a public school board.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you enroll 100 or 1,000 students per semester, and/or offer extracurricular activities? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your school, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a school:

• Cost of equipment and supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, computer software, and equipment

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your school location lease or a list of elective courses or extracurricular activities you will offer.  

Writing a business plan for your school is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will understand the school industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful school.  

School Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my school business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily write your school business plan.

How Do You Start a School?

Starting a school is easy with these 14 steps:

• Choose the Name for Your School
• Create Your School Business Plan
• Choose the Legal Structure for Your School
• Secure Startup Funding for Your School (If Needed)
• Secure a Location for Your Business
• Register Your School with the IRS
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get a Business Credit Card
• Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
• Get Business Insurance for Your School
• Buy or Lease the Right School Equipment
• Develop Your School Business Marketing Materials
• Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your School
• Open for Business

Learn more about   how to start your own school .

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your School business plan?

OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.   Click here to learn about Growthink’s business plan writing services .

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

Starting a Private School

Who in their right mind starts a private school? Starting any enterprise is a daunting project. Yet many parents and teachers are the impetus behind the dozen or so new private schools that appear on the scene each fall. Some schools begin modestly with a grade or two and grow by adding one grade a year. Other schools have much more elaborate plans. Why do these brave parents and teachers start a school? The main reason seems to be that they are passionate about teaching a certain way or adhering to a certain philosophy. Sometimes they do it simply because they want to run their own school and do things their way.

No matter what the genesis of the idea might be, the recipe for bringing a school into existence is straight-forward enough, although there are many ingredients. Staring a school requires equal parts persistence, business acumen, and vast amounts of patience. To those basic ingredients, you add huge lashings of money. Mix thoroughly. As you do, you discover that you will have to add more money regularly as the other ingredients soak up gobs of money.

This video offers an overview of starting a nonprofit organization like your school.

Here is a template for planning and opening your own school. Good luck! I did it. Lived through the experience. I still recall it as one of the best things I ever did.

36 months before your projected opening date

Most school academic years begin in the fall. Usually in September or thereabouts. So you want to start the project at least 3 years out. You may even need an extra year or two more than that. The size and scope of the project and the funding resources at your disposal will determine how early you should start.

Determine what kind of school the local market needs. You may know what you want. But does the market affirm your vision of the kind of school which you are planning?

30-24 months out

Form a small steering committee of talented supporters to begin the preliminary work. Include parents with financial, legal, and management experience. Include people who are not afraid to play devil's advocate. Constructive criticism will clarify your objectives and plans before you get past the point of no return.

18 months out

File incorporation papers with your Secretary of State. You need a legal framework for everybody's protection. That's why you asked some attorneys to be on the steering committee. They know how to protect the about-to-be-hatched school. Listen to them. Do not stint on what they recommend.

Develop a business plan. Your gift may be teaching. But you need to enlist the aid of a successful business person to draw up your business plan. Potential donors will want to see what you hope to accomplish in Year 1, Year 3, Year 5, Year 10, etc., before they will commit significant sums to the project. Your vision will become a reality when guided by a sound, well-devised business plan.

Develop a budget for 3 years. The business plan lays out the steps to realizing your vision. A budget breaks down that vision into an annual financial plan which enables you to project income and expenses.

Locate a facility to house the school or develop building plans if you will be creating your own facility from scratch. Consult a commercial real estate professional to determine what kind of facilities are on the market in your locale. Yes, you need commercial real estate and the zoning which goes along with it for the establishment of your school. Just because an anonymous donor has said that she will give you her baronial estate, you still need to understand that zoning approvals must be obtained and won BEFORE any commitments can be made. Your donor's single car and driver didn't create any traffic. Hundreds of cars arriving in the early morning and late afternoon will attract neighborly attention for sure.

16 months out

Apply for tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status from the IRS. You need this document in order that donations can be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Don't piggyback on some related institution's tax-exempt status. Get your own.

Identify your Head of School and your Business Manager. Once you have the IRS approval in place, then search for your Head of School and Business Manager. These professionals will translate your vision with all its goals and objectives into reality. Hire people who are not afraid of risk. Starting a new school is a leap of faith. Some more timid souls will look at the job as potential career limiting experiences. The candidates with real leadership skills are the ones you need and want to hire.

14 months out

Secure your initial funding - donors and subscriptions. All gifts are welcome. But the money will really start rolling in once you attract a couple of well-known donors. Do your homework and lay the groundwork for fund-raising from the earliest stages. Your enthusiasm will be a powerful tool. But a sound business plan and key professionals will cinch the deal.

Attract skilled faculty by paying them fairly AND with the vision of your new school. Appeal to their entrepreneurial side and emphasis that you are looking for team players. Given the number of job cuts in public K-12 schools, you should be able to attract the talent you need without too much difficulty. This video will help make your first open house a success.

Market your school. Advertise. Promote. Tell the story of your new school through presentations at service clubs and other community groups.

9 months out

Open your school's office. Schedule admissions interviews. Organize tours of your new facilities by service clubs and other local groups. It is so important to create some buzz about your new school. Schedule open houses both for prospective parents and community leaders.

2 months out

There's much to do before opening day. Have faculty in place early in order to get the school ready for opening. Don't leave the teachers out of the picture until the week before your opening. Organizing their classrooms, tweaking their curricula and timetables - these essential tasks take time and lots of energy. You can also build invaluable esprit de corps during the weeks before school opens.

Opening day

Make it a festive occasion. Invite the local dignitaries, members of the city council and state legislature. Lots of positive stories in the local press and television stations will expose your new school to a wider audience.

Welcome your students. Begin to make them understand this is the best thing they ever did. Make them believe, as you do, that this school is going to be the very best. This is a very special opportunity for instilling school spirit. Once students believe in their school, word will spread very quickly about all the special features and unique qualities of your school. After all, isn't that why you wanted to start the school in the first place? You did want to establish a school that reflected your take on education, right? Good luck!

Questions? Contact us on Facebook. @privateschoolreview

More Articles

How to Start a Private School

Steps and Tips

Daderot / Wikimedia Commons

• For Parents & Educators
• Choosing a Private School
• Homework Help
• College Admissions
• College Life
• Graduate School
• Business School
• Distance Learning
• B.A., Classics, McGill University

Starting a private school is a lengthy and complicated process. Fortunately, many people have done it before you, and there is much inspiration and practical advice in their examples.

In fact, browsing the history section of any established private school's website can prove extremely useful. Some of these stories will inspire you. Others will remind you that starting a school takes lots of time, money, and support. Below is a timeline for the tasks involved in starting your own private school .

Today's Private School Climate

Before embarking on the journey of starting your own private school, it's important to note the economic climate in the private school sector.

A 2019 report by Bellwether Education Partners, a national educational nonprofit, noted that in previous decades, thousands of Catholic schools closed and many other private schools had lower enrollment. They reported this was caused by the increasing tuition fees that many middle- and lower-income families weren't anymore able to afford.

In fact, The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) published a strategic plan for 2013-2017, in which it pledged to increase efforts to "help schools identify and recruit qualified families in North America." This pledge led to the creation of the North American Boarding Initiative to address the declining enrollment in private boarding schools. This passage is taken from their website:

Again, we face a serious enrollment challenge. Domestic boarding enrollment has declined gradually, yet consistently, for more than a dozen years. It's a trend that shows no sign of reversing itself. Moreover, multiple surveys have confirmed that a lion's share of boarding school leaders identify domestic boarding as their most pressing strategic challenge. As a community of schools, it is time once again to take decisive action.

As of 2019, the statistical data provided by the Independent School Facts report for TABS displays that the actual numbers of enrollees over the previous five years have either been steady or growing slowly. Similarly, new and new private schools have been created, which probably also accounts for this growth.

At the same time, the National Association of Independent Schools  remarks that even though about 40% of private schools lost enrollees between 2006 and 2014, schools in areas with economic growth, like New York City or the Western states, kept growing.

Considerations

In today's day and age, it does warrant careful consideration and planning to determine if creating another private school in the current market is appropriate. This assessment will vary greatly on a number of factors, including the strength of area schools, the number of and quality of competitor schools, geographic area, and needs of the community, among others. 

For example, a rural town in the midwest without strong public school options may benefit from a private school, or depending on the location, a private school might not generate enough interest there. However, in an area like New England, which is already home to more than 150 independent schools, starting a new institution might or might not be quite as successful. 

1. Identify Your Niche

36-24 months before opening.

Determine what kind of school the local market needs—K-8, 9-12, day, boarding, Montessori, etc. Ask area parents and teachers for their opinions, and if you can afford it, hire a marketing company to do a survey. It will help you focus your efforts and ensure that you're making a sound business decision.

Once you determine what kind of school you will be opening, decide with how many grades you will actually start. Your long-range plans may call for a K-12 school, but it makes more sense to start small and grow solidly. Typically, you would establish the primary division, and add the upper grades over time as your resources permit.

2. Form a Committee

24 months before opening.

Form a small committee of talented supporters to begin the preliminary work. Include parents or other prominent members of your community who have financial, legal, management, and building experience. Ask for and get a commitment of time and financial support from each member.

You are undertaking important planning work which will demand much time and energy, and these people can become the core of your first board of directors. Co-opt additional paid talent, if you can afford it, to guide you through the various challenges, which will inevitably confront you.

3. Find a Home

20 months before opening.

Locate a facility to house the school or develop building plans if you will be creating your own facility from scratch. Only be aware that building your school will be immensely more expensive and time-consuming than working with an already existing building. Your architect and contractor committee members should spearhead this assignment.

At the same time, think carefully before you leap at acquiring that wonderful old mansion or vacant office space. Schools require good locations for many reasons, not the least of which is safety. Older buildings can be money pits. Instead, investigate modular buildings which will be greener as well.

4. Incorporate

18 months before opening.

File incorporation papers with your Secretary of State. The lawyer on your committee should be able to handle this for you. There are costs associated with the filing, but being on the committee, your lawyer would ideally donate their legal services to the cause.

This is a critical step in your long-term fundraising. People will give money much more readily to a legal entity or institution as opposed to a person. If you have already decided to establish your own proprietary school, you will be on your own when it comes to raising money.

5. Develop a Business Plan

Develop a business plan . This should be a blueprint of how the school is going to operate over its first five years. Always be conservative in your projections and don't try to do everything in these first years unless you have been lucky enough to find a donor to fund the program in its entirety. Make sure your plan is solid as this is what will further attract donors to your cause.

6. Develop a Budget

Develop a budget for 5 years; this is the detailed look at income and expenses. The financial person on your committee should be responsible for developing this critical document. As always, project your assumptions conservatively and factor in some wriggle room should things go wrong.

You need to develop two budgets: an operating budget and a capital budget. For example, a swimming pool or an arts facility would fall under the capital side, while planning for social security expenses would be an operating budget expense. Seek expert advice.

7. Tax-Exempt Status

16 months before opening.

Apply for tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status from the IRS. Again, your lawyer can handle this application. Submit it as early in the process as you can so that you can begin to solicit tax-deductible contributions. People and businesses will definitely look at your fundraising efforts much more favorably if you are a recognized tax-exempt organization.

Tax-exempt status might also help with local taxes, though it is recommended that you pay local taxes whenever or wherever possible, as a gesture of goodwill.

8. Choose Key Staff Members

Identify your Head of School and your Business Manager. To do that, conduct your search as widely as possible. Write job descriptions for these and all your other staff and faculty positions. You will be looking for self-starters who enjoy building something from scratch.

Once IRS approvals are in place, hire the head and the business manager. It will be up to you to provide them with the stability and focus of a steady job to get your school open; they will need to provide their expertise to ensure an opening on time.

9. Solicit Contributions

14 months before opening.

Secure your initial funding—donors and subscriptions. Plan your campaign carefully so that you can build momentum, yet are able to keep pace with actual funding needs. Appoint a dynamic leader from your planning group to ensure the success of these initial efforts.

Bake sales and car washes are not going to yield the large amount of capital which you will need. On the other hand, well-planned appeals to foundations and local philanthropists will pay off. If you can afford it, hire a professional to help you write proposals and identify donors.

10. Identify Your Faculty Requirements

It is critical to attract skilled faculty . Do so by agreeing to competitive compensation. Sell your future employees on the vision of your new school; the chance to shape something is always appealing. While it is still over a year until you open, line up as many faculty members as you can. Do not leave this important job until the last minute.

11. Spread the Word

Advertise for students. Promote the new school through service club presentations and other community groups. Design a website and set up a mailing list to keep interested parents and donors in touch with your progress. Marketing your school is something that has to be done consistently, appropriately, and effectively. If you can afford it, hire an expert to get this important job done.

12. Open for Business

9 months before opening.

Open the school office and begin admissions interviews and tours of your facilities. January before a fall opening is the latest you can do this. Ordering instructional materials, planning curricula, and devising a master timetable are just some of the tasks your professionals will have to attend to.

13. Orient and Train Your Faculty

1 month before opening.

Have faculty in place to get the school ready for opening. The first year at a new school requires endless meetings and planning sessions for the academic staff. Get your teachers on the job no later than August 1 in order to be prepared for opening day.

Depending on how lucky you are at attracting qualified teachers, you may have your hands full with this aspect of the project. Take the time needed to sell your new teachers on the school's vision. They need to buy into it, so that your school can take off with the right atmosphere.

14. Opening Day

Make this a soft opening at which you welcome your students and any interested parents at a brief assembly. Then off to classes. Teaching is what your school will be known for. It needs to begin promptly on Day One.

The formal opening ceremony should be a festive occasion. Schedule it for a few weeks after the soft opening. Faculty and students will have sorted themselves out by then. In this way, a feeling of community will be apparent, and the public impression which your new school will make will be a positive one. Be sure to invite local, regional, and state leaders.

Stay Informed

Join national and state private school associations. You will find incomparable resources. The networking opportunities for you and your staff are virtually limitless. Plan on attending association conferences in Year One so that your school is visible. That will ensure plenty of applications for vacant positions in the following academic year.

• Be conservative in your projections of revenues and expenses even if you have a way to pay for everything.
• Make sure real estate agents are aware of the new school, as families moving into the community always ask about schools. Arrange open houses and gatherings to promote your new school.
• Submit your school's website to online databases where parents and teachers can become aware of its existence.
• Always plan your facilities with growth and expansion in mind, and be sure to keep them green as well—a sustainable school will last many years.
• “Toward Equitable Access and Affordability: How Private Schools and Microschools Seek to Serve Middle- and Low-Income Students.”   Bellwether Education , 27 Aug. 2019.
• “Enrollment Trends in Independent Schools.”   NAIS, 2015 .
• “Strategic Plan 2013-2017.”   TABS Strategic Plan 2013-2017 .
• Running a School: Resources for Administrators
• Private School Donations
• How Do Private Schools Determine Aid?
• How a Student's Rights Differ in a Private School vs. Public School
• How to Afford Private School
• Private School Teaching Job Search Tips
• Private School Admissions Guide
• Advice About Finding a Private School Teaching Job
• How Do I Find Private Schools Near Me?
• 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Applying to Private School
• 6 Factors to Help You Choose a Public or Private Education
• Top 10 Questions Parents Have About Private Schools
• Headmasters' Compensation
• The Different Types of Private Schools
• Reasons Why You Should Consider Private School
• Open House at Private Schools

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Finance and Business
• Business by Industry

How to Start a Private School

Last Updated: October 21, 2021 Approved

This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff . Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 36 testimonials and 93% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 834,241 times. Learn more...

Starting a private school is a long-term process that generally takes no less than 2 years. Private schools offer high-quality education and are not managed by the state. By starting a private school, you’ll be providing a valuable service to families with children in your community. Begin by tackling the big-picture planning questions that surround creating a school, and then move into hiring faculty and staff and recruiting students.

Choosing a School Structure

• If you opt to run a non-profit private school, follow up by applying for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status with the IRS.

• If you aren’t sure who to ask to become a committee member, reach out to other private schools in your area. Talk to their administration members, and find out who those schools used as committee members.

• As another option, consider a Montessori school. Montessori schools are almost always private and offer children a discovery-based model of academic experimentation and learning.

• Many private schools start with fewer and lower grade levels and add upper grades over time. For instance, you could begin by offering K-5. Then, after 3 or 4 years, you can add grades 6-8.

• Unless you have a huge operating budget, do not plan to construct a new building for your school.

Creating a Business Plan and Finding Funding

• Whether your school is nonprofit or for-profit, a business plan will help by setting the school on a successful path.
• A sound business plan will also inspire confidence—and generosity—in your potential financial donors.

• Your committee accountant or financial specialist should help with the budget. If you don’t have a financial specialist on your committee, seek expert financial advice.
• Starting a private school from scratch is an expensive undertaking. On average, starting a private school in the U.S. costs $1,000,000. The same undertaking in the U.K. costs, on average, £930,000. [8] X Research source

• When soliciting funds from financial partners, show potential investors your business plan. This will clarify to them that you know what you’re doing and that your private school is worth serious investment.

• If you have an attorney on your founding committee, ask them to handle this step. Their professional expertise will be invaluable.

Hiring and Training Key Staff and Faculty

• The principal and business administrator can work alongside your committee members to handle financial, legal, and academic obligations prior to the start of school.

• To find qualified applicants, post job descriptions on online job-finding sites like Monster, LinkedIn, and Indeed.

• Once faculty members have been hired, ask them what supplies they’ll need in order to successfully teach their core subject. Work with them to order curriculum materials, furniture, and educational supplies.

• This will be especially valuable if you’re teaching in a private school where the majority of the curriculum has already been developed and is handed down to the instructors.

Registering and Opening the School

• The state will send a representative to the campus to inspect the facilities and make sure they’re up to code and safe.
• The state will also request a school calendar and list of the names of enrolled students.

• If you're starting a school within the U.S., there are 6 regional educational accrediting agencies that you should apply to based on your location. These accreditation agencies include: [14] X Research source
• The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (CACSCOC)
• The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

• To help drum up interest online, ask one of your committee members to design a website that will provide admissions and enrollment information.
• Once you have some interested community members, you could offer a tour of the private school so that parents and potential students can become familiar with the building and layout.

• Have your committee/board members on hand as well. Also try inviting local government officials, like the city mayor or the district’s state representative.

Community Q&A

• Joining national private school associations, such as NAIS.org, will provide support for you and give your private school national exposure. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
• Private schools often have high academic standards, low teacher-student ratios, availability of non-core subjects such as art and music. Most also place an emphasis on discipline, safety, community service, and values. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
• Private schools can be proprietary (for-profit). However, most are incorporated non-profit entities. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://cullinanelaw.com/how-to-start-a-private-school/
• ↑ https://www.privateschoolreview.com/blog/starting-a-private-school
• ↑ http://www.ourkids.net/school/day-vs-boarding-schools.php
• ↑ https://www.profitableventure.com/cost-start-a-private-school/
• ↑ http://www.fldoe.org/schools/school-choice/private-schools/opening-a-private-school.stml
• ↑ https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/you-can-start-your-own-school/
• ↑ https://ncadmin.nc.gov/citizens/private-school/private-schools-k-12-requirements
• ↑ https://www.chea.org/regional-accrediting-organizations

About This Article

To start a private school, start with fundamental decisions like whether the school will be non-profit and what grade levels it will cater to. Next, write a detailed business plan and create a budget that includes how you plan to receive funding for the school. Then, hire critical staff members about 18 months before opening the school, bring on administrators about 9 months before opening, and spend 4-5 months training faculty. Finally, start promoting the school and enrolling students! For tips on registering the school with an accredited agencies, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Kwame Osei-Bonsu

Nov 17, 2017

Did this article help you?

Mia Alexander

Jan 15, 2017

Robert Martin

Jun 6, 2016

Laurena Berry

Mar 14, 2017

Marilyn Kavanagh

Oct 6, 2017

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

School Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

School Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your school business plan.

We have helped over 5,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their schools.

Sample Private School Business Plan

Below is a school business plan template to help you create each section of your own education business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Southside Academy, located in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a private school that has been providing quality education to the community’s school children since 2017. Southside Academy teaches elementary, middle school, and high school students in a wide range of subjects including mathematics, science, and history. We aim to provide a welcoming and inviting environment where every student can reach their highest potential.

We promote academic, artistic, and athletic excellence in a close-knit learning environment, with a challenging curriculum that cultivates intellectual curiosity. Furthermore, we offer a low teacher-to-child ratio, where teachers can build close connections with their students as they help them excel. We develop confident, continual learners by establishing behavioral supports and the social culture needed for students to achieve social, emotional, and academic success.

Service Offering

Southside Academy offers a premium private education at an affordable tuition fee. We provide a challenging education where students can explore their true potential and a safe space where they can freely discover and express themselves. Our students range from 1st grade to 12th grade and we teach a wide variety of subjects including:

• Basic Mathematics
• Physical Education

Customer Focus

Southside Academy primarily serves families within a 5-mile radius of the school’s location. The area is home to thousands of middle and upper-class families looking for high-quality education for their children. Before the school was built, the area was underserved and many children had to travel far to attend quality private schools.

Management Team

Southside Academy’s founder is Mike Brown who has been working as a teacher for more than 20 years. Mike has taught at several public schools in the region but saw a great demand for private education. He noticed that the current location of the school was underserved and set out to create a school to serve this population. Mike Brown has successfully led Southside Academy as its principal since the school’s inception and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

Mike Brown is supported by a team that has experience teaching students, managing finances, and running businesses. Specifically, our team has solid experience in being effective teachers, connecting to different types of students, and achieving key goals.

Success Factors

Southside Academy is able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Location: Southside Academy’s location is near the center of town, giving members of our community easy access for parents and their children.
• Passionate and Skillful Teachers: Southside Academy hires teachers with strong academic backgrounds who are skillful in handling all types of children.
• Low teacher-to-student ratio: We provide a low teacher-to-student ratio so that every student gets personal attention from teachers to reach their highest potential.
• Affordable, quality education: Most of the schools in the area offer their services at a very expensive price. Our fees will be moderately low so that good education is accessible to all families.

Financial Highlights

Southside Academy is currently seeking additional donations of $600,000 in order to fulfill our mission. The breakdown of the funding may be seen below:

• Salaries: $200,000
• School Materials (books, toys, desks, chairs, etc): $180,000
• Administrative Expenses: $120,000 to pay for lease costs, ongoing operational expenses, and marketing.
• Working capital: $100,000

The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for Southside Academy.

Company Overview

Who is southside academy, southside academy’s history.

Southside Academy started as an idea from a group of school teachers, including Mike Brown. The teachers were university pals who are passionate about teaching and children. They have seen the gaps in education in St. Paul, Minnesota, and wanted to create a school that elevates the academic environment for the children of this area.

Their plans to build a school started in 2015, but it was only until April 2016 that they finally completed all the paperwork and met the legal requirements. Since then, Southside Academy has achieved the following milestones:

• Found a location and built the school
• Developed the school’s name, logo, and website
• Determined curriculum
• Hired teachers and other key employees

Southside Academy’s Services

Industry analysis.

Education is an essential foundation for a thriving society. It’s more important than ever before that every child has access to affordable, high-quality education. While public schools are an essential option for many low-income families, the education provided by private schools often results in higher test scores and more students moving on to top-tier universities.

The private school industry has experienced steady growth in the past five years. The key industry drivers are economic growth, the rise in numbers of K-12 students, an increase in the number of families with both parents working, and government initiatives to support education.

According to Polaris Market Research, this growth is expected to continue with a forecasted compound annual growth rate of 6.6% from now until 2030. This shows that Southside Academy has great potential to keep growing and expanding. We will have ample opportunities to grow our curriculum and offer services to students that help them reach their highest potential.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Southside Academy serves the families and children of St. Paul, Minnesota. The area is mostly populated by young couples and new families that have disposable income and can pay a premium for their children’s education.

The precise demographics of the town in which our location resides are as follows:

Customer Segmentation

We primarily target the following three customer segments:

• Young children
• Young couples

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Southside Academy faces competition from other schools with similar profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.  

Waters Independent School

Founded in 1968, Waters Independent School is a non-profit and tax-exempt independent school system. The school is governed by an independent Board of Trustees and offers preschool through eighth-grade programs. WIS is accredited by the state’s Council of Independent Schools (FCIS).

Waters Independent School has small class sizes with low student-to-teacher ratios. Further, WIS’ Programs include a strong academic foundation coupled with programs in the arts, physical education, media/technology, foreign language, and extracurricular areas.  

Hill Preparatory School

Founded in 1923, Hill Preparatory School is a private, non-sectarian, coeducational, college preparatory day school. It offers PK-12 programs in a safe, student-centered environment. HPS supports its students through the challenges of the school year with one-on-one attention from dedicated faculty, robust services like The Learning Center and the College Center, and the most advanced educational technology. The campus spans 28 acres and has a new 60,000+ square foot facility.  

Future Leaders Preparatory School

Founded in 1968, Future Leaders Prep is a private school for PreK3-8th grade. FLPS offers preschool, elementary school, and middle school programs and offers the International Baccalaureate program of study for all students. Teachers are endorsed in gifted education through a master’s level grant with [local University]’s College of Education Gifted Program. In addition to the school, Future Leaders offers community programs such as music, dance, art, and theater lessons through the Community School of the Arts, youth sports in the Community School for Sports, and the 7-week summer camp.

Competitive Advantage

There are many schools in St. Paul, Minnesota but none of them provides the same quality of education that Southside Academy provides, specifically the following:

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

The Southside Academy brand will focus on the school’s unique value proposition:

• Providing premium education at an affordable price
• Providing a supportive and challenging place for children to learn
• Giving parents the assurance that their children will reach their full potential

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Southside Academy is as follows:

Social Media

Southside Academy will invest heavily in a social media advertising campaign. The school will utilize social media accounts and invest in ads on all social media platforms. It will use targeted marketing to appeal to the target demographics.

Publications

The school will place print advertisements in key local publications, including newspapers, area magazines, and business newsletters. Additionally, Southside Academy will print brochures and place them in specific locations frequented by target individuals.

Website/SEO

Southside Academy will invest heavily in developing a professional website that displays all of the features and benefits of Southside Academy. It will also invest heavily in SEO so that the school’s website will appear at the top of search engine results.

Direct Mail

Southside Academy will blanket neighborhoods with direct mail pieces. These pieces will provide general information on Southside Academy and incentives to enroll.

Southside Academy prices its tuition at a moderate price so our students and their families feel they are getting great value when choosing our school.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Southside Academy.

Operation Functions:

• Mike Brown is the school Principal. He manages the teachers, directs the direction of education, and serves as the head of the school.
• Mike is joined by Amanda Johnson who acts as the Administrative Assistant for the school. She helps Mike with the operations of the school as well as the marketing and administrative functions.
• Mike has hired an extensive team of highly qualified educators. Together, they teach dozens of subjects, including biology, chemistry, social studies, and mathematics. Every teacher that works for Southside Academy is passionate about education and pushing their students to reach their highest potential.

Milestones:

Southside Academy expects to achieve the following milestones in the following six months:

• 3/202X Kickoff of promotional campaign to attract new students
• 4/202X Start donation campaign
• 5/202X Hire new teachers for the upcoming year
• 6/202X Achieve donation/funding goal
• 7/202X Finalize list of incoming students for next year
• 8/202X Start next school year

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

Southside Academy’s revenues come from student tuition fees and donations from both individuals and corporations.

The major costs for the company will be staffing, marketing expenses, location maintenance, equipment, and materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Southside Academy is currently seeking additional fundraising and capital of $600,000 in order to fulfill our mission. The breakdown of the funding may be seen below:

Key Assumptions

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and to pay off the startup business loan.

• Year 1: 200
• Year 2: 300
• Year 3: 400
• Year 4: 500
• Year 5: 600
• Tuition rate per year: $10,000

Financial Statements

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, school business plan faqs, what is a school business plan.

A school business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your school business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your School business plan using our School Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of School Businesses?

There are a number of different kinds of school businesses, some examples include: private K-12 school, charter school, virtual schools, independent schools, primary school, secondary education, or preschool.

How Do You Get Funding for Your School Business Plan?

School businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start a School Business?

Starting a school business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A School Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed school business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your school business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your school business is in compliance with local laws.

3, Register Your School Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your school business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws.

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your school business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary School Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your school business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your school business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful school business:

• How to Start a School

Other Helpful Business Plan Templates

Nonprofit Business Plan Template

type below and hit enter

Search the blog

SCHOOL SALES

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT

SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT

Browse by topic

I'm dr. jeannie gudith, founder and ceo of jag consulting. we help you develop, improve, buy or sell your private school., i'm so glad you're here.

10 Steps to Starting a Private School

Business growth.

The Beginners Guide to Starting a Private School

Starting a private school can be not only time-consuming, but a challenging process. When thinking about starting a private school there are many key steps you will want to adhere to in order to keep the process manageable and seamless.

Private schools have many layered elements that can make the task of creating one from scratch daunting. Some of these include high academic standards, teacher-student ratios, extracurriculars such as art, music, PE, computers, discipline protocol, safety concerns, community partnerships, and accreditation just to name a few. Additionally, a private school is a business so you also have to decide if your school will for-profit or non-profit.

The following steps will help guide you in starting a private school.

#1 Determine Your Niche and Grade Levels

This is a beginning step to start the process of starting a private school. Ask yourself the following questions to see what direction your private school will move.

• What types of students will your school serve? For example, gifted, special ed, montessori, whole child, etc.
• Will your school be religious or secular?
• Will your school be for-profit or non-profit?
• What grade levels will your school serve?
• How many students will you serve in each grade level?
• How many students will your grow to over time? Think 5 years from now.
• What kind of school is needed in your target market/area?

#2 Write School Statements

School statements are a very important part of the process as they help you define your vision to your staff, parents, community and students. It is imperative that you not only focus on a mission statement, but define what all of your school statements are. Remember, these statements are reviewed every school year and can be changed or modified as your school grows.

• What is your mission statement?
• What is your pedagogy?
• What is your vision?
• What is your philosophy?

#3 Select Board of Directors or Committee

Your committee or Board of Directors should be selected from different areas of business and not solely focused on education. Chose experts from different realms of business like accounting, legal, business, and education.

• Who do you know that would be interested in be a committee member?
• Will you have a formal board of directors or an informal advisory committee?
• How often will you meet?

#4 Create a Business Plan

A business plan is an essential key in creating any business, including a school. Remember that a school is still a business and a business plan is key in creating a successful business.

• Create a 5 year business plan, including operations such as financials, marketing, curriculum development, assessments.
• Who will you hire out to complete legal paperwork?
• What systems will you use to keep student data, report cards, discipline info, tuition, human resources, payroll, CRM, admissions, etc?

#5 Research your State’s Regulations for Private Schools

Every state has regulations for private schools. Research the educational requirements for your state and make sure to adhere to the regulations of your state.

• Check your state’s Department of Education for regulations for private school establishments.

#6 Determine Budget

Develop a budget that will include your income and expenses (commonly known as a P&L or Profit and Loss). This budget will only be a projection so err on the conservative side as unknown expenses tend to always pop up.

• Develop a 5 year budget (projection).
• If you will be a non-profit you can focus on contribution capital as part of the budget.
• Hire out an accountant to assist.
• Be sure to include the costs for systems like student management systems, payroll/human resource systems, CPA, CRM’s and more.

#7 Find a Location

Finding a location for a school can be a challenging task. Keep in mind that many states require certain permits to run a school at certain locations. These are typically called Conditional Use Permits (CUP). If you find a location make sure you are allowed to run a school at that site. Adding a CUP to a site location can be time consuming and expensive.

• Will you lease a building or space inside an existing space (like a church or school)?
• How large of a space will you need (how many classrooms)?
• Do you have funding to build a school location?
• Can you share space with another school?

#8 Hire Staff

Once you have your business plan, your site location, and budget you can then hire staff for the school year you are planning to open. Typically teachers are hired for a school year and expect a contract so be prepared. Alternatively some private schools hire teachers on an hourly basis, especially the first year, in an effort to keep the budget in tact.

• How many teachers will you need? Full or part-time?
• How many office staff will you need? Full or part-time?
• Will you outsource elective or extra curricular classes?
• Will you outsource things like human resources, payroll, admissions?

#9 Promote your School

This is an important step and can be tricky as timing is crucial. Schools typically run on traditional school year schedules (August-June), therefore your timing is important.

• When will your school open?
• Begin advertising your opening at least 6 months in advance (1 year is ideal).
• Most school begin taking applications in Feb/March for the following school year.
• Make sure your SIS or student system is ready to take applications.
• Make sure you have all of your student onboarding ready to go (parent handbooks, tuition agreements, payment processes, teacher handbooks, etc).

#10 Open Your School

Congratulations! It’s time to open your school! This is an exciting day! As the founder of private schools, this is one my most cherished days. Enjoy this day!

• Plan your opening, usually in the early fall.
• Open your office first so you can give tours.
• Plan a fun groundbreaking opening on the first day of school.
• Create a sense of community with a festive opening first day. Invite community members to join.

The Last Thing You Need to Know about Starting a Private School

Although we have just scratched the surface to start a private school, this initial roadmap is a great place to begin. There are so many other things to consider, but starting with these basics will keep you focused and contain the overwhelm that can develop when starting a private school.

Starting a private school is no small feat. If you need assistance with starting or expanding your private school, our services can guide you through the process. Learn more by visiting our website .

Interested in learning more? Check out our blog about the 5 Essential Elements of a New Private School.

We would love to hear from you? Have you started a private school? Do you have feedback we can share with our readers? Let us know.

Want to learn more about developing, improving, buying or selling a private school? 

>>get your services + pricing guide here<< , >>visit the shop here<< .

GET OUR services + PRICING guide

Get access to the guide now.

© 2023 JAG CONSULTING. all rights reserved. privacy policy  + REFUND POLICY. TEMPLATE by sugar studios + Showit

How to Start a Private Christian School: A Comprehensive Guide

Starting a private Christian school can be a challenging yet fulfilling journey. It requires a great deal of research, planning, and organization to create an institution that can provide quality education while upholding Christian values. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to start your own private Christian school.

First, we will discuss the benefits of starting a private Christian school. Second, we will provide information on the research and planning phase, including finding your niche and creating a business plan. Third, we will explore the importance of creating a vision and mission for your school, and how to develop a curriculum and classroom design.

If you are looking to start a private Christian school, then this guide is for you. Keep reading to learn more about the legal considerations, recruiting and retaining top-quality teachers and staff, and how to make your school stand out in the community.

The Benefits of Starting a Private Christian School

Starting a private Christian school is a significant undertaking, but the rewards can be immense. Not only can you provide your community with an excellent educational option, but you can also create a learning environment that is grounded in Christian principles and values. Here are five benefits of starting a private Christian school:

Faith-Based Education: Private Christian schools allow you to provide a faith-based education that focuses on spiritual growth, moral development, and character building. Students can learn about God’s love and grace while also receiving a high-quality academic education.

Community Engagement: Private Christian schools provide opportunities for community involvement and engagement. You can create a school that is focused on building relationships with parents, students, and local businesses, creating a sense of belonging and support.

Flexibility: Private Christian schools provide greater flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods. You can customize your curriculum to fit your students’ needs and interests while incorporating Christian values into every subject.

Stronger Sense of Purpose: Private Christian schools provide students with a stronger sense of purpose and meaning. Students can see how their faith and education are intertwined, giving them a greater understanding of their place in the world.

Excellent Academic Standards: Private Christian schools often have higher academic standards and expectations than public schools. By providing a rigorous academic curriculum and a nurturing environment, you can prepare students for college and beyond.

Building a Faith-Based Community

Establishing a Supportive Network: One of the main benefits of starting a private Christian school is the opportunity to create a supportive community of like-minded individuals. This community can provide emotional, spiritual, and financial support to help the school thrive.

Fostering Spiritual Growth: Private Christian schools are uniquely positioned to foster spiritual growth in their students. By incorporating prayer, Bible study, and worship into the curriculum, students can develop a deeper understanding and connection to their faith.

Encouraging Service and Outreach: Private Christian schools often emphasize the importance of serving others and reaching out to the community. This emphasis can help instill a sense of compassion and social responsibility in students.

By building a strong faith-based community within your school, you can create a supportive environment where students can grow both academically and spiritually. This community can also provide a strong foundation for the long-term success of your school.

Providing a Strong Academic Foundation

A private Christian school is not just about teaching faith, but also about providing a top-notch academic education. One of the primary benefits of a private school education is smaller class sizes, which allows for more personalized attention to students. In addition to individualized attention, private schools often have more rigorous academic standards and offer advanced courses in various subjects.

At a private Christian school, students can expect to learn in an environment that values critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. These skills are essential for success in college and beyond. Christian schools also emphasize moral and ethical values, which provide a foundation for character development and social responsibility.

Another benefit of a private Christian school education is the opportunity for students to engage in extracurricular activities that support academic growth, such as academic clubs, debate teams, and science fairs. These programs provide students with opportunities to explore their interests and passions while developing valuable skills.

Research and Planning: The First Steps

Starting a private Christian school requires careful planning and research. Before getting started, it’s important to determine the need for a school in your area and to assess your own capabilities and resources. You’ll need to develop a business plan, create a budget, and determine the legal structure of your school.

Conducting market research will help you identify potential competitors and determine the unique features that will set your school apart. You’ll also need to decide on a location and consider the availability of resources such as teachers, textbooks, and technology.

Creating a mission statement will help you define the purpose and goals of your school. It should reflect your Christian values and vision for the school, and guide your decisions as you move forward with the planning process.

Developing a curriculum is another crucial aspect of planning. You’ll need to research state and local requirements, determine what subjects to offer, and decide on the teaching methods and materials that will be used.

Assembling a team of experienced educators, administrators, and other professionals is essential for the success of your school. You’ll need to create job descriptions, conduct interviews, and establish a system for evaluating the performance of your staff.

Before starting a private Christian school, conducting a market analysis is crucial to determine the feasibility of the school. Market research will help you identify the existing demand for a Christian school in your area and the competition you will face. It will also assist in determining the potential student enrollment and tuition fees.

Several factors should be taken into account when conducting a market analysis, such as the local demographics, the level of education, and the religious beliefs of the population. Networking with local church leaders, pastors, and other community members can also provide valuable insight into the demand for a Christian school in your area.

Furthermore, analyzing the financial requirements to start and maintain a private Christian school is crucial. Budgeting is essential to ensure that the school can operate efficiently, pay its teachers and staff, and provide adequate resources and facilities to its students.

Developing a Business Plan

A business plan is a crucial tool for any entrepreneur starting a new venture, and it’s no different when it comes to starting a private Christian school. A well-crafted business plan can help you identify your goals and objectives, as well as the resources you’ll need to achieve them.

When developing your business plan, you’ll need to consider a number of factors, including your target market , your competition, and your financial projections. Your business plan should also outline your organizational structure and the roles and responsibilities of your staff.

Another important element of your business plan is your marketing strategy. You’ll need to consider how you’ll promote your school to potential students and their families, as well as how you’ll build partnerships with other organizations in your community.

Establishing a Budget

Determine the start-up costs: Creating a detailed list of initial expenses such as facility leasing, renovation, insurance, and supplies will help you determine how much you need to raise before opening.

Determine the ongoing costs: Ongoing costs will include salaries, benefits, utilities, and maintenance expenses. Be sure to consider any additional costs that may be incurred throughout the year, such as field trips, classroom materials, or additional staff training.

Develop a revenue plan: Revenue plans will be unique to each private Christian school. Some schools may rely solely on tuition and donations, while others may include fundraising events, grants, or partnerships with local businesses.

Create a budget spreadsheet: After identifying start-up and ongoing costs and developing a revenue plan, create a detailed budget spreadsheet that will help you manage and track your finances throughout the school year.

Consult with a financial advisor: Consider consulting with a financial advisor to ensure that your budget is realistic and sustainable. They can also help you identify potential areas for growth and improvement.

Creating a Vision and Mission for Your School

Defining your school’s vision is the first step in creating a successful private Christian school. Your vision should be a concise statement of your school’s purpose and values that will guide decision-making and strategic planning.

Your school’s mission statement should outline the specific actions you will take to achieve your vision. It should communicate the goals and objectives of your school, and how it will fulfill its purpose. Your mission statement should be clear, concise, and memorable.

Developing a set of core values is also an important aspect of creating a vision and mission for your school. These values will serve as guiding principles for your school’s culture and community, and help ensure that your school stays true to its mission and purpose.

Communicating your vision and mission to parents, students, and the community is crucial for the success of your school. You should have a clear and concise message that outlines your school’s values, purpose, and goals. This can be done through various marketing channels, including your school’s website, social media, and other promotional materials.

By creating a strong vision and mission for your school, you can establish a clear direction for your school’s future and ensure that you stay focused on your goals and values. It can also help you attract and retain students and staff who share your school’s vision and values.

Articulating Your School’s Values

Defining your school’s values is crucial for creating a strong and authentic identity. Your values should align with your school’s mission and vision and guide decision-making.

Three key values for a private Christian school may include a commitment to faith , excellence , and service . Faith-based values are central to the school’s identity and may include fostering a love of God, encouraging spiritual growth, and promoting Christian values. Excellence values may include a commitment to academic rigor, innovative teaching, and continuous improvement. Service values may focus on developing a heart for others and encouraging students to serve their communities.

It is essential to articulate your values in a clear and concise way that resonates with your community. You may consider creating a values statement or integrating your values into your school’s marketing materials and curriculum.

By clearly articulating your school’s values, you can create a shared sense of purpose and help guide decision-making in a way that aligns with your mission and vision.

Defining Your School’s Educational Philosophy

Philosophy: Your school’s philosophy should reflect the values and principles that guide your educational approach. Determine your philosophy by considering the needs and goals of your students, staff, and community.

Curriculum: Develop a curriculum that aligns with your school’s philosophy and goals. Ensure that it meets the requirements of the relevant educational authorities and provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge.

Teaching Strategies: Select teaching strategies that support your educational philosophy and curriculum. Use a variety of approaches to accommodate diverse learning styles and foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Evaluation: Develop an evaluation system that aligns with your school’s philosophy and goals. Regularly assess student progress and use the results to adjust your curriculum and teaching strategies as needed.

Legal Considerations for Starting a Private Christian School

Registration: The first step to starting a private Christian school is to register the school with the appropriate government agency. Depending on the country or state, this may include obtaining a business license, tax ID number, and meeting specific education standards.

Legal Structure: Choose the legal structure for your school that best meets your needs. This may include setting up a non-profit corporation or limited liability company (LLC).

Employee Laws: There are specific laws regarding the hiring and management of employees. It’s essential to understand these laws to ensure that your school complies with labor standards, anti-discrimination laws, and other regulations.

Obtaining the Necessary Permits and Licenses

Starting a private Christian school requires obtaining several permits and licenses from different government agencies. Local zoning ordinances may require a specific location for the school, and the school must comply with fire and safety codes .

The school must also obtain the necessary state-level education permits and licenses . This may include obtaining a license to operate as an educational institution, as well as meeting state standards for curriculum and teacher qualifications.

Additionally, the school must comply with federal and state non-discrimination laws , such as Title IX, and obtain any necessary permits related to student transportation and food service. It is important to research and comply with all necessary legal requirements to avoid any legal complications in the future.

Understanding the Regulatory Landscape

Starting a private Christian school involves complying with various regulations and standards set by government bodies. Accreditation is one of the key areas to consider. Accreditation can provide a seal of approval and increase the school’s reputation. The school must also follow the Department of Education rules and guidelines, such as meeting curriculum requirements and hiring certified teachers. Additionally, the school must adhere to state and federal tax laws and maintain accurate financial records. Noncompliance with these regulations can lead to severe consequences such as penalties, fines, and even closure.

Complying with State and Federal Laws

Licensing requirements: Private schools are not required to be licensed by the federal government, but states have varying licensing requirements. It is important to check with your state’s department of education to ensure that your school complies with state laws and regulations.

Anti-discrimination laws: Private schools are allowed to have a religious affiliation, but they must still comply with federal and state anti-discrimination laws. This means that the school cannot discriminate on the basis of race, gender, national origin, or disability.

Special education requirements: Private schools are not required to provide special education services, but they must comply with federal laws regarding the provision of these services. This includes the requirement to provide a free and appropriate public education to students with disabilities.

Curriculum Development and Classroom Design

Developing a curriculum that meets the needs of your students is essential. Determine your educational philosophy and define your learning objectives before selecting textbooks and other resources. Incorporating technology into the classroom can enhance student learning and engagement.

Classroom design is also important to consider. Providing a comfortable and stimulating learning environment can positively impact student motivation and learning outcomes. Consider factors such as lighting, seating arrangements, and classroom decorations when designing your learning space.

It’s also important to provide a variety of teaching strategies to engage students with different learning styles. This includes hands-on activities, group work, and independent study. A well-designed curriculum and learning environment can make all the difference in the success of your students.

Designing a Curriculum that Aligns with Your School’s Values

When designing a curriculum for your private Christian school, it’s important to ensure that it aligns with your school’s values . This means taking into account the principles and beliefs that are central to your school’s mission and vision.

One approach is to incorporate a biblical worldview into every subject area. This means integrating the Bible and biblical principles into all aspects of the curriculum, from science and history to math and English.

Another important consideration is providing opportunities for spiritual growth and development. This can include offering classes on biblical studies, theology, and Christian apologetics, as well as providing regular chapel services and opportunities for community service and outreach.

Creating a Classroom Environment that Fosters Learning

To create a classroom environment that fosters learning, it is essential to focus on several key factors. First and foremost, it is critical to establish a positive and welcoming atmosphere that encourages students to engage in active learning. This can be achieved by designing a classroom layout that is conducive to collaborative learning and provides opportunities for individualized attention. Second, it is essential to develop a curriculum that is relevant, challenging, and aligned with the school’s educational philosophy and values. Finally, it is vital to create a classroom culture that promotes student empowerment, cultivates creativity and critical thinking, and fosters a sense of community and mutual respect among students.

Recruiting and Retaining Top-Quality Teachers and Staff

Competitive Salaries: One of the most important factors in attracting and retaining top-quality teachers and staff is offering competitive salaries. It’s important to do market research to ensure that you are offering a salary that is in line with other schools in your area.

Professional Development: Offering opportunities for professional development can help attract and retain talented staff. This could include offering workshops, conferences, and ongoing training programs to help your staff grow professionally.

Positive Work Environment: Creating a positive work environment is essential for attracting and retaining top-quality teachers and staff. This includes providing opportunities for collaboration, recognizing and rewarding staff, and promoting a culture of respect and inclusion.

Clear Communication: Clear communication is key to ensuring that teachers and staff feel supported and valued. This includes setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, and offering opportunities for open communication and dialogue.

Attracting and Hiring Talented Educators

Define your ideal candidate: Determine the specific qualifications and characteristics you are looking for in a teacher, such as education level, experience, and personality traits.

Network with local universities: Reach out to nearby colleges and universities with education programs to connect with potential candidates. Attend career fairs and post job openings on their websites.

Offer competitive compensation: Compensation is a key factor in attracting and retaining quality teachers. Research the salaries offered by other schools in your area and offer a competitive salary and benefits package.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first steps to starting a private christian school.

The initial steps to starting a private Christian school may vary depending on your location and the specific requirements of your state or country. However, some common first steps include conducting research on the demand for such a school in your area, developing a business plan, and seeking legal and financial advice.

What qualifications do I need to start a private Christian school?

The qualifications needed to start a private Christian school can also vary depending on your location. However, some common qualifications may include having a degree in education, experience in teaching or school administration, and a strong understanding of the principles and values of Christianity.

What are the legal requirements for starting a private Christian school?

The legal requirements for starting a private Christian school can also vary depending on your location. Some common legal requirements may include obtaining necessary permits and licenses, complying with state and federal laws, and ensuring that the school meets all safety and health regulations.

How do I develop a curriculum for my private Christian school?

Developing a curriculum for a private Christian school involves integrating Christian principles and values into the various subjects and activities offered. It may also involve working with educators and experts to ensure that the curriculum aligns with national and state standards and meets the needs and goals of the students.

How can I attract and retain top-quality teachers and staff for my private Christian school?

Attracting and retaining top-quality teachers and staff for a private Christian school involves offering competitive salaries and benefits, providing opportunities for professional development, creating a positive and supportive work environment, and fostering a strong sense of community and mission among the staff.

How can I ensure the success of my private Christian school?

Ensuring the success of a private Christian school involves setting clear goals and objectives, developing a strong and effective leadership team, establishing strong partnerships with parents and the local community, and continually evaluating and improving the school’s programs and operations.

Privacy Overview

Upmetrics AI Assistant: Simplifying Business Planning through AI-Powered Insights. Learn How

• Sample Business Plans
• Education & Training

School Business Plan

High demand and a recurring revenue model make starting a school business a lucrative and rewarding profession.

Anyone can start a new business, but you need a detailed business plan when it comes to raising funding, applying for loans, and scaling it like a pro!

Need help writing a business plan for your school business? You’re at the right place. Our school business plan template will help you get started.

Free Business Plan Template

Download our free business plan template now and pave the way to success. Let’s turn your vision into an actionable strategy!

• Fill in the blanks – Outline
• Financial Tables

How to Write A School Business Plan?

Writing a school business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the entire business plan is ready and summarizes each section of your plan.

Here are a few key components to include in your executive summary:

Introduce your Business:

Start your executive summary by briefly introducing your business to your readers.

Market Opportunity:

Educational programs & services:.

Highlight the school services you offer your clients. The USPs and differentiators you offer are always a plus.

Marketing & Sales Strategies:

Financial highlights:, call to action:.

Ensure your executive summary is clear, concise, easy to understand, and jargon-free.

Say goodbye to boring templates

Build your business plan faster and easier with AI

Plans starting from $7/month

2. Business Overview

The business overview section of your business plan offers detailed information about your business. The details you add will depend on how important they are to your business. Yet, business name, location, business history, and future goals are some of the foundational elements you must consider adding to this section:

Business Description:

Describe your business in this section by providing all the basic information:

Describe what kind of school business you run and the name of it. You may specialize in one of the following school businesses:

• Public schools
• Private schools
• Charter schools
• Magnet schools
• Virtual or online schools
• Boarding schools
• International schools
• Religious schools
• Describe the legal structure of your school, whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or others.
• Explain where your business is located and why you selected the place.

Mission Statement:

Business history:.

If you’re an established school, briefly describe your business history, like—when it was founded, how it evolved over time, etc.

Additionally, If you have received any awards or recognition for excellent work, describe them.

Future Goals

This section should provide a thorough understanding of your business, its history, and its future plans. Keep this section engaging, precise, and to the point.

3. Market Analysis

The market analysis section of your business plan should offer a thorough understanding of the industry with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. You should include the following components in this section.

Target market:

Start this section by describing your target market. Define your ideal customer and explain what types of services they prefer. Creating a buyer persona will help you easily define your target market to your readers.

Market size and growth potential:

Describe your market size and growth potential and whether you will target a niche or a much broader market.

Competitive Analysis:

Market trends:.

Analyze emerging trends in the industry, such as technology disruptions, changes in customer behavior or preferences, etc. Explain how your business will cope with all the trends.

Regulatory Environment:

Here are a few tips for writing the market analysis section of your school business plan::

• Conduct market research, industry reports, and surveys to gather data.
• Provide specific and detailed information whenever possible.
• Illustrate your points with charts and graphs.
• Write your business plan keeping your target audience in mind.

4. Products And Services

The product and services section should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to students. To write this section should include the following:

Describe your school services:

Mention the school services your business will offer. This list may include services like,

• Education programs
• Extracurricular activities
• Counseling & Guidance
• Special education services
• Transportation services
• Food services
• Testing and assessments

Describe specialized programs:

Student leadership programs, additional services:.

In short, this section of your school plan must be informative, precise, and client-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

Unique Selling Proposition (USP):

Define your business’s USPs depending on the market you serve, the equipment you use, and the unique services you provide. Identifying USPs will help you plan your marketing strategies.

Pricing Strategy:

Marketing strategies:, sales strategies:, customer retention:.

Overall, this section of your school business plan should focus on customer acquisition and retention.

Have a specific, realistic, and data-driven approach while planning sales and marketing strategies for your school business, and be prepared to adapt or make strategic changes in your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

The operations plan section of your business plan should outline the processes and procedures involved in your business operations, such as staffing requirements and operational processes. Here are a few components to add to your operations plan:

Staffing & Training:

Operational process:, equipment & software:.

Include the list of equipment and software required for school, such as whiteboards & projectors, student information systems, learning management systems, communication & collaboration tools, etc.

Adding these components to your operations plan will help you lay out your business operations, which will eventually help you manage your business effectively.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of your school business’s management team. This section should provide a detailed description of each manager’s experience and qualifications, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

Founders/CEO:

Key managers:.

Introduce your management and key members of your team, and explain their roles and responsibilities.

Organizational structure:

Compensation plan:, advisors/consultants:.

Mentioning advisors or consultants in your business plans adds credibility to your business idea.

This section should describe the key personnel for your school, highlighting how you have the perfect team to succeed.

8. Financial Plan

Your financial plan section should provide a summary of your business’s financial projections for the first few years. Here are some key elements to include in your financial plan:

Profit & loss statement:

Cash flow statement:, balance sheet:, break-even point:.

Determine and mention your business’s break-even point—the point at which your business costs and revenue will be equal.

Financing Needs:

Be realistic with your financial projections, and make sure you offer relevant information and evidence to support your estimates.

9. Appendix

The appendix section of your plan should include any additional information supporting your business plan’s main content, such as market research, legal documentation, financial statements, and other relevant information.

• Add a table of contents for the appendix section to help readers easily find specific information or sections.
• In addition to your financial statements, provide additional financial documents like tax returns, a list of assets within the business, credit history, and more. These statements must be the latest and offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.
• Provide data derived from market research, including stats about the industry, user demographics, and industry trends.
• Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
• Include any additional documentation related to your business plan, such as product brochures, marketing materials, operational procedures, etc.

Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the necessary information.

Remember, the appendix section of your school business plan should only include relevant and important information supporting your plan’s main content.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

This sample school business plan will provide an idea for writing a successful school plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready business plan to impress your audience, download our school business plan pdf .

Related Posts

After-School Program Business Plan

Preschool Business Plan

400+ Business Plan Template Example

Business Plan Writing Guide

Business Plan Cover Page Design Idea

How to Create Business Plan Outline

Frequently asked questions, why do you need a school business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful school business. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your school.

How to get funding for your school business?

There are several ways to get funding for your school business, but self-funding is one of the most efficient and speedy funding options. Other options for funding are:

• Bank loan – You may apply for a loan in government or private banks.
• Small Business Administration (SBA) loan – SBA loans and schemes are available at affordable interest rates, so check the eligibility criteria before applying for it.
• Crowdfunding – The process of supporting a project or business by getting a lot of people to invest in your business, usually online.
• Angel investors – Getting funds from angel investors is one of the most sought startup options.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your school business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and ideas better than you, so we recommend you write your school business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind.

What is the easiest way to write your school business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any school business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software .

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

Plan your business in the shortest time possible

No Risk – Cancel at Any Time – 15 Day Money Back Guarantee

Create a great Business Plan with great price.

• 400+ Business plan templates & examples
• AI Assistance & step by step guidance
• 4.8 Star rating on Trustpilot

Streamline your business planning process with Upmetrics .

How to Start a Private School PDF; Private School Business Plan Sample

How to Start a School Business - Private School Business Plan Sample PDF

Are you considering starting a School and are in need of a private school business plan? if yes, you'll find this free book to be extremely helpful.

This is a practical guide that will walk you step by step through all the essentials of starting your business. The book is packed with guides, worksheets and checklists. These strategies are absolutely crucial to your business' success yet are simple and easy to apply.

Don’t Start a New School Business Unless You Watch This Video First!

Checklist for Starting a Business: Essential Ingredients for Success

If you are thinking about going into business, it is imperative that you watch this video first! it will take you by the hand and walk you through each and every phase of starting a business. It features all the essential aspects you must consider BEFORE you start a business. This will allow you to predict problems before they happen and keep you from losing your shirt on dog business ideas. Ignore it at your own peril!

Here’s a Valuable Free Gift for You This is a high quality, full blown business plan template complete with detailed instructions and all related spreadsheets. You can download it to your PC and easily prepare a professional business plan for your business. Click Here! To get your free business plan template

The Single Most Important Ingredient for Business Success

The first and most important thing you need to acquire in order to succeed in a small business is... knowledge.

Sounds exaggerated? Listen to this...

According to research conducted by Dun & Bradstreet, 90% of all small business failures can be traced to poor management resulting from lack of knowledge.

This is backed up by my own personal observations. In my 31 years as a business coach and consultant to small businesses, I've seen practically dozens of small business owners go under and lose their businesses -- not because they weren't talented or smart enough -- but because they were trying to re-invent the wheel rather than rely on proven, tested methods that work.

Conclusion: if you are really serious about succeeding in a business... If you want to avoid the common traps and mistakes... it is absolutely imperative that you acquire the right knowledge.

"Why Invent Mediocrity, When You Can Copy Genius?"

That's an excellent quote I picked up from a fellow business owner a few years back. What this means is that you should see what is working and try to duplicate Printing Business. Why go through all the trouble of inventing something new, that you don't even know will ever work, when you can easily learn from and duplicate something that has been a proven success?

[ Note: One of the BIGGEST mistakes almost all new businesses make is that they WASTE tons of valuable time, energy and money on trying to create something "new", that has never been tested or proven... only to find out later that it was a total loss. Don't make the same mistake! ]

Hi! My name is Meir. I'm the founder and president of BizMove.com, a successful internet based information business. I'm also the author of numerous books, mostly in the area of small business management.

I've been involved in small business for the past 31 years of my life, as a business coach, manager of a consulting firm, a seminar leader and as the owner of five successful businesses.

During my career as a business coach and consultant I've helped dozens of business owners start their businesses, market, expand, get out of troubles, sell their businesses and do practically every other small business activity you can think of. You see, I have been there .... done it ... and bought the Small Business t-shirt! -- This free book contains techniques and strategies I've learned during my 31 year small business career.

Here's what you'll discover in the 'How to Start a Printing Business' book:

Success Tip: Setting Goals

Good management is the key to success and good management starts with setting goals. Set goals for yourself for the accomplishment of the many tasks necessary in starting and managing your business successfully. Be specific. Write down the goals in measurable terms of performance. Break major goals down into sub-goals, showing what you expect to achieve in the next two to three months, the next six months, the next year, and the next five years. Beside each goal and sub-goal place a specific date showing when it is to be achieved.

Plan the action you must take to attain the goals. While the effort required to reach each sub-goal should be great enough to challenge you, it should not be so great or unreasonable as to discourage you. Do not plan to reach too many goals all at one time.

Establish priorities. Plan in advance how to measure results so you can know exactly how well you are doing. This is what is meant by "measurable" goals. If you can’t keep score as you go along you are likely to lose motivation. Re-work your plan of action to allow for obstacles which may stand in your way. Try to foresee obstacles and plan ways to avert or minimize them.

Click here! to download your school business plan PDF book for free

Management Skills Video: How to Become a Great Manager and Leader

Learn how to improve your leadership skills and become a better manager and leader. Here's how to be the boss people want to give 200 percent for. In the following video you'll discover 120 powerful tips and strategies to motivate and inspire your people to bring out the best in them.

For more insightful videos visit our Small Business and Management Skills YouTube Chanel .

Here're other free books in the "how to start a business" series that may interest you:

Here's a Sample 'Executive Summary' for a School Business plan :

COMPANY NAME will provide private school services in quantitative courses, starting the first school in the Atlanta, Georgia area. Focused primarily on students in grades K-6, classes are available in courses including: history, science, geography and mathematics in addition to multiple languages, religions and philosophy COMPANY NAME will focus primarily on Eastern Indian, Asian and European based language and philosophy to start.  This method will be focused on to ensure that students can study their native language and learn native customs from where they or their families come from.  Teaching sessions focus on helping students grasp the concepts they will need to know to perform well in their class, as well as developing study strategies to effectively prepare for exams in their class. A long-term focus of empowering students is favored over a short-term problem-solving strategy. High tuition, schools claim, is used to pay higher salaries for the best teachers and also used to provide enriched learning environments, including a low student to teacher ratio, small class sizes and services, such as libraries , science laboratories and computers . Service Summary The intention is to create a student who is an international citizen who is academically capable, gain successful admission to Ivy League schools and to the best international universities; however while at the same time developing a confidence gained from knowing their family heritage, roots, history, culture, religion and languages. Each student will be having a sense of pride in being an American and also in being of Indian origin harmoniously.  COMPANY NAME projects that 50% of students will be Asian Indian decent and 50% of students will be Americans seeking to get the best education available in the United States. COMPANY NAME is planning to become an International Baccalaureate World School.  By receiving this support from a worldwide education organization, the school will be on the roster of offering courses transferable and also recognized around the world. Market Analysis Summary While there are cultural and language classes that children of Indian origin can attend outside of the regular school curriculum, there is no comprehensive school, which offers an excellent education along with meeting their cultural needs anywhere in the USA. Vision COMPANY NAME vision is to provide world-class education for its students at playschool, kindergarten, primary school levels. The aim of this educational institute is the quest for truth; blending the methods of learning of the East and West COMPANY NAME seeks to help bring to the United States the highest education possible to help children be able to compete with the world, as the American education standards and results continue to decline.

• American students rank 25th in math and 21st in science compared to students in 30 industrialized countries.
• America’s top math students rank 25th out of 30 countries when compared with top students elsewhere in the world.
• By the end of 8th grade, U.S. students are two years behind in the math being studied by peers in other countries.
• Sixty eight percent of 8th graders can’t read at their grade level, and most will never catch up.

Resource: http://www.bls.gov It will be a school for a diverse student body with a global faculty and an international curriculum. The Foundation believes its particular location in the USA will give the community of learners an incredible opportunity to examine change, explore the interconnectedness of issues and develop a global perspective. COMPANY NAME will offer an educational experience that is truly international and still Indian at heart.   The Foundation will invite the Council of International Schools (CIS) and other prominent educationists to be its' consultants. Together with experienced consultants' input, COMPANY NAME shall attract an inspiring faculty and student body.

1.1 Objectives

• Generate five informal contracts/referrals with school professors from accredited private schools located in India.
• Increase revenue steadily from 2011 to 2012.
• Offer a premiere and unique educational hub where children can learn several languages, receive higher education and expand life's horizons from an early age.

COMPANY NAME's vision is to provide world-class education for students at playschool, kindergarten, primary school levels. The aim of this educational institute is the quest for truth, blending the methods of learning of the East and West. It will be a school for a diverse student body, with a global faculty and an international curriculum COMPANY NAME believe that their particular location in the USA will give the community of learners an incredible opportunity to examine change, explore the interconnectedness of issues and develop a global perspective.

1.2 Mission

COMPANY NAME exists to help students. The Company takes a unique and innovative approach to teaching that helps students connect with the subject matter they need to master in a vast variety of subjects, religions and arts. Through personalized and focused teaching processes, the students develop the tools they need for ongoing success in their fields of study, which include international languages as well. Success depends on direct attention to the needs of the Company's clients and truly helping them achieve- COMPANY NAME won't succeed unless their clients succeed.

COMPANY NAME is a sole proprietorship. The company will be owned and operated by COMPANY NAME which is 100% owned by OWNER’S NAME, a C Corporation.  The foundation will be co-owned by CO-OWNER’S NAME and another general partner.

2.2 Start-up Summary

The company founders will hire an education consulting and management firm to handle day-to-day operations of the business and will work collaboratively to ensure that this business venture is a success.  COMPANY NAME will be seeking to attain start-up funds from a combination of investment capital and grant funding sources.  Surplus revenue from fundraising is detailed in the Sales Forecast table later in this plan. The following table and chart show the start-up costs for COMPANY NAME.

Table: Start-up

3.0 Services

The school will offer a unique and philosophical approach to education to provide for intellectual, emotional and spiritual development of every student. The school aims to provide an environment conducive to students to discover and nurture the best in their own nature. The school will accept and care for students from all the major faiths, as well as for those with no particular religious affiliation.  The intention is to create a student who is an international citizen who is academically capable, gain successful admission to Ivy League schools and to the best international universities; however while at the same time developing a confidence gained from knowing their family heritage, roots, history, culture, religion and languages. Each student will be having a sense of pride in being an American and also in being of Indian origin harmoniously. COMPANY NAME will also be providing extensive extra-curricular activities for students such as providing dance, art, culture and language courses so that students can attain and utilize the tools and education all in one place.  This will be especially appealing to parents as this will improve not only the child’s education but by having all available in one location, it will also improve quality of life for families. COMPANY NAME has future plans for utilizing the 30 acre plot of land and real estate that The Company is trying to acquire by installing a soccer field, a baseball field and a teacher/student vegetable and herb garden for education purposes.  In addition, the auditorium and smaller classroom will be rented out to increase the schools revenue. Becoming A Better Leader At The Workplace Leadership can be difficult to quantify, despite the fact that most people desperately wish to understand what it takes to be a strong leader. To really get a handle on the concept, it pays to spend some time researching and studying. The guidance below is intended to help any burgeoning leader do precisely that. When working to improve in the area of leadership, it is vital that you develop competency. People need to trust that you know what you are doing in order to feel confident in your leadership ability. Instill confidence in those who follow you by finding a mentor to help you become truly proficient in what you do. If you are rolling out a new business process, train your employees effectively. That new business process might look all shiny on paper, but if your subordinates receive insufficient, or worse, no training, it will inevitably cost you money down the road. There are ways to make training relatively painless, so do your research. Don't make the mistake of ordering people around. That is not true leadership. The key to true leadership is to inspire those around you. You need to help them find their own voices, so that they can go on to lead others. The entire journey they take with you is about their ability to know themselves better. If you have an employee that goes above and beyond the call of duty, do not hesitate to give them extra praise and rewards. Even though it may seem like you are playing favorites, you are giving them what they deserve. be open with other employees about it so they are aware of what rewards come with hard work. Know your competition just as well as you know your own company. Business isn't just about what's happening between the walls in your space. You need to make decisions based off competitive movement. If you can't make decisions because you don't know the competition, then expect your employees to see it as a weakness in leadership. Conquer your fear. Fear can be a terrible thing for you to experience, especially if you're a leader. Instead, start paying attention to what the fear is telling you. Learn to process it in a way that is healthy and in a way that urges you to move beyond the fear to something more. Be open to new ideas, perspectives, and ways of doing things. Many companies want to constantly repeat something that has proven successful for them. There is little wrong with that, but inadvertent leaders try putting too much effort into one thing that worked. Thoughtful leadership should acknowledges success, while also recognizing that there are ways to improve. Do not push people on your team too hard since this can result in doing the opposite of what you are trying to accomplish. Instead of giving them motivation to do more work, it may make them feel demoralized. In turn, they will lose a lot of respect for you. Do not be afraid to jump in and help. This is much easier if you work on site with your team, but is possible from afar if you are creative. If any person from your team needs help, jump in and give them a hand. You may learn a lot from the experience. One of the best leadership skills to develop is listening to people who work under you. By listening to your employees, you can learn new ways to reach goals. When you see that they have processed your ideas, keep an open mind for their input to maximize your potential for success. You might feel like starting each day or shift with a motivational speech, but this can get old for your crew quickly. As a matter of fact, such tactics are overrated. The biggest impact you make in terms of personnel is who you hire, who gets fired, and who gets assigned to the big projects. Learn how to laugh. Yes, you've got a serious job with a lot of responsibilities, but leadership isn't born out of tension and stress. Sometimes you need to learn how to lighten the mood. Not just for yourself, but for your employees too. If you've hit some rough patches, it's your responsibility as a leader to help your team get out of it. Don't hesitate to recognize people for their accomplishments. It is easy to forget to thank people for what they do, especially in a work environment where everything is moving quickly. Make sure you look for reasons to thank people for their good work, instead of simply chiding them when they make mistakes. This will encourage loyalty, and you will find you have an easier time leading when those you lead are loyal. Be an honest and ethical role model for your employees. Honesty with your employees is the best way to build trust. Make sure your employees understand the ethical expectations you have for them. More than that, always behave in an ethical way yourself. If your employees observe you behaving dishonestly, they will do so as well. Be a good example for your team. Just like the parents of a family, you are who your team looks up to in your organization. Do not talk negatively about the company you work for or your bosses to your team. It sets a horrible example and may come back to haunt you. A good leader turns a mistake into a learning experience. Talking about what didn't go right and being open with the entire team about this incident can help everyone from making that same mistake later. Most people wish to be effective leaders of others, but very few actually succeed in doing so. One of the most effective methods of acquiring true leadership acumen is to learn as much as possible about those who have gone before and the attributes they had in common. The article above can serve as an ongoing resource for anyone wishing to undertake just that sort of study.

Copyright © by Bizmove Free Business Guides. All rights reserved.

• Personal Finance
• Managing Wealth
• Small Business
• Corporate & Institutional
• Our Commitments
• Explore Products & Solutions
• Starting Your Business
• Creating a Business Plan

How to Navigate Starting a Business with Student Loan Debt

If your fixed monthly bills include a student loan payment, you're one of the more than 43 million Americans who have federal student loans, or roughly 13% of the total population in the U.S. In fact, national student loan debt totals $1.73 trillion and the average public university student borrows $32,637 to attain a bachelor’s degree. [1]

These numbers may feel eye-opening, they shouldn’t deter emerging entrepreneurs from pursuing their dreams of business ownership. While it's generally not advisable to take on more debt than you can handle, managing financial obligations may help sharpen your business acumen, offer opportunities for more advanced budgeting, and help you identify business financing options.

Take new dental and medical practices, for example. There’s a lot of education, testing, licensing, residencies and on-the-job experience that goes into becoming a medical doctor or a dentist. And because the courses and requirements are rigorous, many students take on student loan debt.

With an average student debt load of about $251,000, [2] new grads often start their dental or medical practices weighed down with a large volume of outstanding loans. The benefits may outweigh the challenges as those new grads vie for higher incomes, greater career freedom and the chance to build practices that align with their individual visions.

The same can be said for the budding entrepreneurs who set their sights on being their own boss, pursuing a passion, building wealth or making a difference (e.g., solving problems, addressing social causes or creating positive change).

Explore Your Options

Entrepreneurs with student loan debt can still successfully pursue their great business ideas. Here are some options for entrepreneurs who are in this position and looking to start a new business:

Personal finances or current employment. About 78% of new entrepreneurial ventures are self-funded, according to SCORE. Nearly half (42%) had about $5,000 in cash reserves and 49% started with over $10,000 in funds. [3] These bootstrapping entrepreneurs didn’t let their current debt loads stand in their way; they decided to get resourceful, which means you can too.

Alternative student loan repayment options. Here are some ways to whittle down or even eliminate student loan payments during your company’s startup phase: 

• Income-driven repayment plans effectively “cap” payments as a percentage of your current income. This can reduce your loan payments during your company’s startup phase, when it’s not producing any revenues yet.
• You can use student loan refinancing on private loans. Your income and credit score will be considered during the refinancing process. It's important to note that both federal loans and private student loans can be refinanced into a private student loan refinance product, yet federal loan benefits may be lost in the process.
• If you qualify, you may also consider student loan forbearance , which is a temporary pause of your loan repayments, during which time interest will continue to accrue. Forbearance programs are available for both private and federal student loans.
• You may also want to explore debt consolidation , whereby you consolidate multiple loans into a single loan. This may simplify your repayment process and could potentially save you money via a lower interest rate. For example, the Federal Direct Consolidation Loan program requires an application and allows borrowers to select the loans they want to consolidate and select a new monthly repayment plan.
• Business financing. Banks like PNC offer a wide range of business financing options, some of which require no collateral. For example, the bank offers lines of credit from $2,000 - $100,000 with variable interest rates on an unsecured basis. It also offers SBA loans that are typically more flexible—both in terms of structure and terms—and generally requires lower down payments than conventional loans. PNC has a history of helping business customers match their financing needs with the appropriate SBA lending program.
• Continuing education. There are many free and low cost educational resources, webinars and workshops available online, where you can equip yourself with the skills needed to get your business on the fast track to generating revenue — allowing you to continue your education without adding to your current student debt load. Consider building your knowledge base by exploring free courses targeted at your industry, joining a low-cost entrepreneurial program, or attending networking events. 
• Business grants. Uncle Sam offers several types of grants specifically for small businesses. Start your search for federal government grants at Grants.gov. This government site offers the most comprehensive database of funds the government is going to give away. There are thousands of grants to apply for and opportunities for a wide range of businesses.

Follow Your Entrepreneurial Path

Building a new business from scratch is never easy, but it’s particularly daunting for someone who has student loan debt. You can conquer these fears by identifying cost savings, using an auto-pay program and always making timely loan payments. Additionally, you might aim to reduce your spending on nonessentials and use discretionary income to build up your savings.

It’s also smart to have an emergency fund that will cover at least six months' worth of necessary expenses. This will help you work through any “unprofitable” periods and help address some of the “startup stress” that’s a natural part of being a new business owner.

Get Started

Make today the day you

put these business insights to work.

Important Legal Disclosures and Information

1. Student Loan Debt Statistics, Education Data Initiative, https://educationdata.org/student-loan-debt-statistics#:~:text=Student%20loan%20debt%20in%20the,have%20federal%20student%20loan%20debt. 2. Hanson, Melanie, Average Medical School Debt,https://educationdata.org/average-medical-school-debt#:~:text=The%20average%20medical%20school%20debt,school%20graduates%20have%20educational%20debt 3. Weston, Bridget, How Do Entrepreneurs Finance Their Startups?,https://www.score.org/resource/blog-post/how-do-entrepreneurs-finance-their-startups 

PNC and PNC Bank are registered marks of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. ("PNC").

All loans, lines of credit and PNC Bank credit cards are subject to credit approval. Requires automatic deduction from your PNC business checking account. Other fees and charges may apply. May be subject to a property appraisal.

These articles are for general information purposes only and are not intended to provide legal, tax, accounting or financial advice. PNC urges its customers to do independent research and to consult with financial and legal professionals before making any financial decisions. This site may provide reference to Internet sites as a convenience to our readers. While PNC endeavors to provide resources that are reputable and safe, we cannot be held responsible for the information, products or services obtained on such sites and will not be liable for any damages arising from your access to such sites. The content, accuracy, opinions expressed and links provided by these resources are not investigated, verified, monitored or endorsed by PNC.

Salesforce is closed for new business in your area.

• Starting a Business
• Growing a Business
• Small Business Guide
• Business News
• Science & Technology
• Money & Finance
• For Subscribers
• Write for Entrepreneur
• Entrepreneur Store
• United States
• Asia Pacific
• Middle East
• South Africa

Copyright © 2024 Entrepreneur Media, LLC All rights reserved. Entrepreneur® and its related marks are registered trademarks of Entrepreneur Media LLC

How to Start an Event Planning Business: Your Comprehensive Guide Not sure how to become an event planner? Use this step-by-step guide to launch your event planning business from scratch.

By Laura Tiffany Edited by Brittany Robins May 21, 2024

Key Takeaways

• Event planning can be a great business if you have the right skills.
• People need help executing personal and professional events of all sizes.
• Based on how you structure your business, your startup costs will vary.

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Some people have a special ability to plan parties — whether they be weddings, large corporate events or smaller gatherings. If you have a knack for tackling complex problems and making big days run smoothly, you might have a future as a professional event planner. Whether you choose to work alone or with a team, starting an event planning service is no small task. Here are some important questions to consider before launching an event planning business, and a step-by-step guide to starting and scaling your business.

Related: Find Your Event-Planning Niche

What is an event planning business?

Event planning is the art and science of ideation, planning, coordination and operation. When a major event needs to run smoothly — whether it's a trade show, nonprofit gala or a major anniversary — people will enlist an event planning service or coordinator. Event planners are key service providers who ensure event production and execution goes off without a hitch , most often used for purposes like:

• Corporate events, like after-work cocktail hours and galas.
• Educational conventions, like graduations or conferences.
• Major promotional events including product launches and fashion shows.
• Celebrations and social events including parades, weddings, birthdays and reunions.

The primary duties of full-time or part-time on-site event planners include:

• Researching venues and vendors prior to the event.
• Selecting the appropriate site for the event.
• Event design and team-building for project management.
• Creating budgets and running fundraisers if necessary.
• Coordinating decor, entertainment and food for the event.
• Sending invitations to attendees.
• Coordinating transportation for attendees to and from the event.
• Arranging accommodations, including seating charts and place settings.
• Coordinating tasks for onsite event personnel, including caterers or entertainers.
• Being on call for any questions or problems that arise in the event-planning process.
• Supervising activities at the event site.

Why do people hire event planning services?

People primarily hire event planning services for two reasons: So that hosts and guests don't have to focus on the inner workings of the event, and so that the event runs smoothly from beginning to end.

Consider a wedding. Many engaged couples hire event planners or event planning services to coordinate, organize and carry out their wedding plans. This helps the couple enjoy their special day and gives them the freedom to focus on getting married rather than worrying about details like catering, parking or the timeline.

Some events are so complex — particularly those with hundreds of guests or more — that it's almost impossible to properly plan and organize them without the help of a specialist. Knowledgeable, experienced event planners know how to organize groups of people, how much food to provide and other details that can make or break an important event.

Related: The Price Is Right: Turning a Profit in the Event Planning Business

Who should become an event planner?

You might consider becoming an event planner if you're organized, love hosting parties and find the challenge of coordinating large events to be thrilling. Planners handle many moving parts at once, some of which require overseeing chaotic work and competing agendas. Event planners also often work weekends and holidays since these are the days when most people schedule events.

Many event planners have backgrounds as managers or coordinators in other industries. The events industry, both for wedding planning and other events, requires excellent communication skills. Obtaining a bachelor's degree in public relations , marketing or related fields can be helpful but is not required. You should also consider acquiring certification for your event planning service, as it can help you cultivate relevant professional skills and attract more job opportunities. Meeting Professionals International (MPI) offers a list of degrees and certificates from various colleges and universities.

You can also become a Certified Special Events Professional or Certified Meeting Planner , both of which are offered by the MPI or the International Live Events Association (ILEA). By earning these certifications , potential clients will know you have the training and experience necessary to take on a complex event.

How to start an event planning business

Step 1: form your company.

To get your event planning business off the ground, you must first form a company, file the right paperwork and create a business plan — which should include the following details:

• The business's name.
• The business's tax structure (Sole proprietorship, LLC, S corp etc.).
• What services you'll provide.
• Market research .
• A management plan.
• Financial factors, including how you'll turn a profit.

Related: Check out these business plan templates to get started.

You'll also want to apply for an employer identification number (EIN), which is essentially a social security number for your business assigned to you by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This will allow you to operate your business independently of your personal affairs, help you hire employees and make it easier to file taxes quarterly.

Step 2: Choose your target market

Building on the research you performed to create your business plan, it's essential to find the right market for your services. For instance, if you want to primarily work with weddings, you need to determine how many other planners are in your area, how much you should charge for your services and what offerings you'll need to be competitive.

By doing enough research ahead of time, you'll know exactly what kind of clients to target and what their expectations will be. This will help you advertise your event planning service to be competitive relative to other local planners.

Step 3: Make a financial plan

When you start an event planning business, you'll have to consider not only startup costs but also how the enterprise will grow and how many clients you'll need in order to be profitable. For instance, working from home and primarily by yourself will keep costs low. But if you hire employees, rent office space, or expand to new markets, your monthly expenses will significantly increase – all of these things can add up.

You can always scale your business after acquiring steady work. You may start off as a one-person event planning service that only takes on small events. As you earn money from successful jobs, you can hire employees and rent a warehouse for your equipment, like cameras, chairs and more. You don't have to have all of the growth questions answered when you launch your business, but you should at least have them in mind.

Step 4: Understand the work involved and consider hiring employees

For your event planning service to be successful , you need to fully grasp the nature of each job and determine if — or when — it's time to hire employees. This will vary event to event, so you'll need to determine how much work each event will require. Even the smallest event demands careful attention to detail and advance planning, but as you acquire experience you'll become more adept at forecasting how much help you'll need, if any. For instance, you might hire two or three people to be on-site for a specific event, just to make sure things run smoothly.

Related: The Event Planning Recipe for Success

Step 5: Settle on a price structure and fee basis

How you price your event planning offerings will impact how much business you attract. You can determine your pricing structure and fee basis by things like:

• The market segment you serve: For instance, nonprofit events may have different fee structures than weddings or corporate events. By understanding your event type, you'll know how much to charge and how to structure your fees.
• Your location: If you live in a place with a higher cost of living or a competitive events market, you'll need to price your services accordingly.
• Your reputation: As your business gains a reputation for success — and especially if you're so busy clients are competing for your services — you'll be able to charge a higher premium.

Step 6: Start marketing your event planning service

Once you know how much to charge your clients, it's time to start marketing your event planning service. Consider using tools like Google ads, social media profiles and other digital marketing efforts like email to get the word out about your business. You may even consider newspaper ads, flyers in public buildings or other traditional low-cost marketing tactics . As your business grows, so too will your reputation, meaning you'll likely have to spend less on marketing once you're known. Before you get there, though, it's important to dedicate significant time and resources to marketing your services (learn more here about the tools and strategies that should be part of creating your marketing plan).

Related: 8 Savvy Ways to Promote Your Event Planning Business

Costs of starting an event planning business

The costs of launching your business will vary greatly based on where you live, what kind of clients you work with and how large you intend to scale your operation. At a minimum, you'll need to pay fees to incorporate your business , purchase basic technology like a computer, buy business insurance and spend money advertising. But there are many other potential costs, including certification programs, hiring additional employees , renting office space and more. Here's a breakdown of common expenses associated with event planning, as well as a range of what it might take to get your enterprise off the ground.

Consider Startup Costs

As with any business, the startup costs for event planning vary by the region, the size of your operation and the type of clients you attract. Below are estimates that will help you determine what you can expect to spend in your first year.

*All figures are estimates and subject to change based on factors including location, business size and clientele.

Check out Entrepreneur's other guides and resources today.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick Red Arrow

• Lock 3 Things Your Business Idea Must Have to Succeed — as Proven By Famous Harvard Business School Startups
• This Couple Cashed in Their 401ks to Launch a Virtual Business — Here's How It Led to a 9-Figure Exit and Co-Owning 2 Professional Soccer Teams
• Lock The No. 1 State to Retire in Might Not Even Be on Your Radar, According to a New Report
• Lock 12 Books That Self-Made Millionaires Swear By
• Lock These Are the Highest-Paying Side Hustles for a Single Day of Work
• Use These 3 Steps to Find the Perfect Franchise Opportunity for You

Most Popular Red Arrow

Here's how much an influencer with 21 million followers makes on youtube, facebook, and tiktok.

Erika Kullberg says one outlet pays far better than the rest.

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Broaden Your Horizons by Learning to Play the Piano with Skoove

This AI-powered piano lessons platform is $120 for Memorial Day.

This ChatGPT WordPress Plugin Is $50 for Memorial Day

Add ChatGPT on the front end and back end of your business websites.

Gift Business Travel Stories with Autio for $150 Through Memorial Day

This platform features more than 23,000 location-based audio stories, which make for great travel content.

Did OpenAI steal Scarlett Johansson's voice? 5 Critical Lessons for Entrepreneurs in The AI Era

Did OpenAI steal Scarlett Johansson's voice? OpenAI has since paused the "Sky" voice feature, but Johansson argues that this is no coincidence. In response, Johansson delivers a masterclass for entrepreneurs on navigating the AI era successfully.

Successfully copied link

Private School Choice Continues to Spread. 3 Things to Know

• Share article

The availability of education savings accounts spurs private schools to raise tuition. Wealthy families benefit from state-subsidized private education options more than poor families do. Politicians in states without vouchers or ESAs aren’t giving up on making them legal.

Those are a few takeaways from recent developments on the landscape of private school choice—state-led programs that offer public funds for parents to spend on private school tuition, fees, and other related expenses.

Private school choice has grown rapidly in recent years. Twenty-nine states currently have at least one private school choice program, and 12 of those states have at least one program that’s accessible to nearly all students in the state, according to Education Week’s private school choice tracker .

This year alone, Alabama, Georgia, and Wyoming have introduced new private school choice programs, and Missouri expanded eligibility for an existing program to all the state’s students. Louisiana and South Carolina currently have bills for private school choice expansion that have garnered approval from one chamber of the legislature.

States like Tennessee and Texas that don’t yet have universal private school choice options for families are continuing to face pressure from advocates to catch up. As these programs become more widespread, scrutiny from academics, politicians, government watchdogs, courts, and public school advocates is likely to intensify.

Here’s a look at the latest developments.

Private school choice options prompt tuition to rise, researchers find

Education scholars at Princeton University last month published the first research-based evidence showing that when states offer parents money toward private school expenses, private schools respond by raising tuition.

Jason Fontana and Jennifer L. Jennings, the paper’s authors, analyzed publicly available tuition data from 2023 for 70 percent of Iowa’s private schools. They used Nebraska private school tuition as a comparison point—Iowa’s ESA offering became universally accessible for the 2023-24 school year, while Nebraska’s will become universally accessible for the 2024-25 school year.

Tuition hikes in Iowa were particularly steep—on average, 21 percent to 25 percent—when the state offered ESAs to all students. When the state limited eligibility to students in particular grades, private school tuition rose by a smaller amount—roughly 10 percent to 16 percent.

Private schools did not raise tuition during the same period for pre-K programs, which were not eligible for ESAs.

Critics of private school choice argue that the programs aren’t designed to help the people who would most benefit from them. Even before schools raise their prices, many states offer vouchers or ESAs that fall short of the average cost of local private school tuition.

“If a goal of ESAs is to extend private school access to new families, the substantial tuition increases they produce may limit access,” Fontana and Jennings write.

Advocates for private school choice have previously contended that tuition increases prompted by new ESA or voucher offerings are more sporadic than some critics argue .

Media outlets have also highlighted private school tuition increases in Arizona and Florida .

Observers use data to highlight underexplored aspects of new programs

Several research organizations have recently used publicly available data to highlight persistent criticisms of private school choice.

Kris Nordstrom, a senior policy analyst for the North Carolina Justice Center, dug up the amount of allocated state funds for K-12 vouchers that went unspent in each of the last 10 years. As of 2016, state law dictates that those unspent funds roll over into the next year’s voucher budget, rather than going back into the state’s broader set of funds to be spent on other priorities.

Between 2014 and 2023, roughly $83 million in allocated voucher funds went unspent. That’s roughly $61 for each of the state’s 1.36 million public school students.

“Unspent voucher funds could otherwise be deployed to useful purposes such as increasing teacher pay or lowering class sizes in our inadequately funded traditional public schools,” Nordstrom wrote in the essay, “How Voucher Programs Undermine the Education Landscape in North Carolina.”

Private school choice investments also affect how states approach funding for K-12 schools in general. The Economic Policy Institute examined per-pupil spending on public K-12 schools in states with and without private school choice.

States that offered vouchers, ESAs, or tax-credit scholarships spent roughly $2,800 less per pupil in 2021 than did states without private school choice, authors Hilary Wething and Josh Bivens found.

Meanwhile, a researcher at the Brookings Institute substantiated concerns from some critics of private school choice that the programs don’t primarily benefit the neediest families . In fact, researchers found that participation in the ESA program in Arizona increased as family income increased. Areas with the lowest poverty rates had nearly 80 ESA participants per 1,000 eligible, while areas with the highest poverty rate had fewer than 25 ESA participants per 1,000 eligible.

The Goldwater Institute, a conservative think tank, published a rebuttal to the Brookings analysis, arguing that the state pays far more to serve wealthy families whose children attend public school than it does to subsidize private schools for wealthy families.

Jon Valant, the author of the Brookings paper, recommends states consider the possibility that some families who would benefit from ESA programs don’t know they exist or don’t understand how to apply for them.

“If states that have adopted (or are considering) universal ESA programs are serious about using private school choice to address inequities in school access, they need to take a hard look at these programs,” Valant wrote.

Politicians are eager to get in on the private school choice momentum

Next Tuesday could be a banner day for private school choice in Texas. Voters could elect as many as four new state legislators , all backed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who have signaled they plan to support private school choice in districts where the incumbent has declined to do so.

Abbott and some Texas Republicans have been aggressively pushing private school choice for years. Some rural Republicans have held out, arguing that the programs won’t benefit residents in their districts, where private school options are scarce.

Last year, when a proposal to introduce universally available private school choice narrowly failed to advance, proposals to increase public education funding and teacher salaries died with it .

Farther north, public school advocates in Nebraska are racing to respond after a head-spinning series of developments threatened their efforts to oppose private school choice in the state.

Advocacy groups in October secured a spot on the November election ballot to repeal an existing law that would have offered tax credits to donors to organizations that grant private school scholarships in the state. Lawmakers repealed the law in question and replaced it with a similar law that derives funding for private school tuition directly from the state budget.

In turn, the Nevada secretary of state removed the referendum from the November ballot , arguing it was no longer necessary since it was asking voters whether to repeal a law that had already been repealed.

The groups behind the original ballot referendum are now hoping to secure enough signatures by mid-July to add a new referendum to the ballot, putting the newly minted private school choice law to the voters.

Sign Up for EdWeek Update

Edweek top school jobs.

Sign Up & Sign In

The Best Private Schools in Moscow

Why choosing a Private School?

Study in moscow, best private schools in moscow.

Try to adjust your search by removing filters or start a new search to explore other schools suitable for your family.

We regret to inform you that we could not locate any schools in your region. We assure you that we will continue to search for new opportunities and keep you informed of any developments. Meanwhile, start a new search to explore other schools suitable for your family. Thank you for your understanding and patience in this matter.

Related Posts

The best private schools in phuket.

Private Schools are very popular in Phuket. Discover The Best Private Schools in Phuket. Why choosing a Private School? Parents generally choose private schools because…

The Best Private Schools in Geneva

Private Schools are very popular in Geneva. Discover The Best Private Schools in Geneva. Why choosing a Private School? Parents generally choose private schools because…

The Best Private Schools in Abu Dhabi

Private Schools are very popular in Abu Dhabi. Discover The Best Private Schools in Abu Dhabi. Why choosing a Private School? Parents generally choose private…

The Best Private Schools in Lausanne

Private Schools are very popular in Lausanne. Discover The Best Private Schools in Lausanne. Why choosing a Private School? Parents generally choose private schools because…

The Best Private Schools in Madrid

Private Schools are very popular in Madrid. Discover The Best Private Schools in Madrid. Why choosing a Private School? Parents generally, choose private schools because…

Best Private Schools in Bogotá

Nestled in the heart of Colombia, Bogotá isn’t just the nation’s capital—it’s a hub of educational prowess, particularly when it comes to private schooling. With…

The Best Private Schools in Waterloo

Private Schools are very popular in Waterloo. Discover The Best Private Schools in Waterloo. Why choosing a Private School? Parents generally choose private schools because…

Best Private Schools in Houston

Private Schools are very popular in Houston. Discover the 2024 List of the Best Private Schools in Houston. Why choose a Private School? Parents generally…

Best Private Schools in Santiago de Chile

Spotlight on Santiago: Excellence in Private Education. Discover the Best Private Schools in Santiago De Chile Santiago de Chile, the heart of the nation, is…

The Best International Schools in Russia

International Schools are very popular in Russia. Discover The Best International Schools in Russia. Why choosing an International School? Finding the right school for your…

What is student loan consolidation?

Will my interest rate go up if i consolidate my student loans, i don’t know if i’m eligible for student loan forgiveness. should i still consolidate my loans, how to consolidate your student loans, what happens if you miss the deadline, student loan forgiveness deadline: you have one more month to maximize your debt relief.

Your student loans could be automatically cancelled if you qualify for forgiveness benefits after consolidating your loans.

Courtney Johnston

Senior Editor

Courtney Johnston is a senior editor leading the CNET Money team. Passionate about financial literacy and inclusion, she has a decade of experience as a freelance journalist covering policy, financial news, real estate and investing. A New Jersey native, she graduated with an M.A. in English Literature and Professional Writing from the University of Indianapolis, where she also worked as a graduate writing instructor.

Tiffany Connors

Tiffany Wendeln Connors is a senior editor for CNET Money with a focus on credit cards. Previously, she covered personal finance topics as a writer and editor at The Penny Hoarder. She is passionate about helping people make the best money decisions for themselves and their families. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism and has been a writer and editor for publications including the New York Post, Women's Running magazine and Soap Opera Digest. When she isn't working, you can find her enjoying life in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her husband, daughter and a very needy dog.

CNET staff -- not advertisers, partners or business interests -- determine how we review the products and services we cover. If you buy through our links, we may get paid.

Key takeaways

• The Department of Education expanded the student loan consolidation deadline to June 30.
• If you have Perkins Loans, Parent Plus loans or commercially-managed Federal Family Education Loans, you can consolidate them into a new Direct Loan to take advantage of forgiveness options.
• Even if you have Direct Loans already, consolidating could help you maximize your debt relief.

If you have federal student loans, there’s an important student debt relief deadline coming up.

The Department of Education is currently reviewing past student loan payment counts; consolidating your loans could help you maximize your payment counts and increase the amount of relief you receive. But you only have until June 30 to apply for this benefit.

Whether you’re eligible for student loan forgiveness under the White House’s latest plan or an existing program, consolidating certain federal loans could help you receive forgiveness sooner.

Here’s how to decide if loan consolidation is right for you, how it could maximize your debt relief and how to consolidate your loans online.

Student loan debt consolidation is similar to refinancing -- it lets you combine your existing federal student loans into a new loan with a fixed interest rate.

Why would you want to do this? If you hold FFELP, Perkins and other nondirect federal student loans, they may not be eligible for forgiveness programs. By consolidating them into a new Direct Loan and enrolling in an income-driven repayment plan, you may be eligible for automatic loan cancellation, interest forgiveness or other debt relief benefits.

If you qualify for an IDR plan and have been making payments for 20-25 years, your entire balance could be forgiven automatically.

And there are other benefits to loan consolidation. Having one student loan to keep track of, rather than many, can also make it easier to manage payments. Depending on the payment plan you choose, a consolidation loan could lower your monthly payments but also extend your repayment period. But if you’re eligible for forgiveness after consolidating, this might not be much of a concern.

Even if you already have Direct Loans, you might benefit from consolidating if you have more than one with different repayment start dates, said Mark Kantrowitz, a financial aid expert and CNET Expert Review Board member .

Private student loan companies also offer debt consolidation for student loans. Even if these programs offer lower interest rates or other perks, converting your federal student loan into a private loan rarely makes sense. Private student loans are not eligible for federal income-driven repayment programs or federal debt relief.

If you currently have low interest rates on your federal student loans, you won’t have to worry about your new consolidated rate spiking -- in most cases.

Your new Direct Consolidation Loan’s interest rate will be based on a weighted average of the loans you consolidate and it will be rounded up to the next 1/8th of 1%, according to Federal Student Aid , the Department of Education’s official student loan website.

There’s one exception, though. If you have a FFELP loan, you might lose some benefits when consolidating. “The main issue is borrowers who have a big interest rate reduction from the FFELP lender,” said Kantrowitz. “These discounts are provided by the lender and will disappear if you consolidate the loans.” 

You don’t have to consolidate all of your loans, so you might exclude your FFELP loans if you want to keep your current discount. You’ll need to weigh whether you qualify for forgiveness and how consolidating might affect your monthly student loan payment to decide if consolidating is right for you.

If you have unpaid interest on a student loan, it will be capitalized when you consolidate the loan and could increase your principal balance. Factor that in when deciding how much your new monthly payment would be and how much you may qualify for in forgiveness. 

For many borrowers, consolidating your federal student loans will help lower your monthly payment and could maximize your potential debt relief. If you currently hold federal student loans that are not Direct Loans, it can be particularly beneficial. Consolidating can also help you lock in a fixed interest rate if any of your federal student loans have a variable rate.

The latest student loan forgiveness program takes into account the date of your first student loan payment. Consolidating your loans helps ensure you get credit for your new Direct Loan starting with your earlier loan payment date.

So, let’s say you graduated from college and made your first federal student loan payment in 2004. Later, you went back to school for a second degree and started paying those loans in 2010. Under an income-driven repayment plan with a 20-year path to forgiveness, you might be eligible to have your loans from 2004 forgiven this year. But by consolidating your more recent loans with your older ones into one new Direct Loan, your entire balance could be wiped out this year. 

Even if you graduated more recently, consolidating your federal loans and enrolling in an IDR can help you get access to forgiveness sooner. And if you only have one student loan, if it’s not a Direct Loan, you may also benefit from consolidating. 

But if you don’t qualify for debt relief, it may not make sense to go through this step. “If you are not currently pursuing any kind of forgiveness (e.g., not even IDR forgiveness) and expect to never pursue forgiveness, then you don’t need to do it, ” said Kantrowitz.

You can consolidate your federal student loans online at StudentAid.gov. You’ll need to submit your application before midnight local time on June 30 to meet the deadline. You can consolidate after this date, but would miss out on some benefits.

To fill out the application, you’ll need your Federal Student Aid ID, some personal information, financial information and loan information to fill out the application. The FSA website says it takes approximately 30 minutes to complete the application for consolidating your loans.

You can fill out the application now at studentaid.gov/loan-consolidation . 

Once you apply, it can take up to 60 days to process your consolidation, said Kantrowitz. In the meantime, you might see your student loan payment count drop to zero. Don’t panic if this happens. It just means your adjustment count is being worked on.

If you consolidate your loans after the June 30 deadline, you can still get credit for past payments made on direct loans. But you might not get as much credit. Instead, your payment count would be based on a weighted average or may reset to zero. But, you could still gain access to a debt relief program.

Recommended Articles

Another 277,000 borrowers received student loan forgiveness last week. here’s how you can, too, 25 million americans could have student loan debt wiped out under biden’s latest plan, do you qualify for the new student loan forgiveness plan, smart money advice on the topics that matter to you.

CNET Money brings financial insights, trends and news to your inbox every Wednesday.

By signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe at any time.

Your new Subscription

Here’s all of the excitement headed to your inbox.

CNET editors independently choose every product and service we cover. Though we can’t review every available financial company or offer, we strive to make comprehensive, rigorous comparisons in order to highlight the best of them. For many of these products and services, we earn a commission. The compensation we receive may impact how products and links appear on our site.

Writers and editors and produce editorial content with the objective to provide accurate and unbiased information. A separate team is responsible for placing paid links and advertisements, creating a firewall between our affiliate partners and our editorial team. Our editorial team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers.

CNET Money is an advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We’re compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and services, or when you click on certain links posted on our site. Therefore, this compensation may impact where and in what order affiliate links appear within advertising units. While we strive to provide a wide range of products and services, CNET Money does not include information about every financial or credit product or service.

• Introduction

Step 1: Start with the FAFSA

Step 2: understand your financial aid award letter, step 3: complete additional paperwork (if required), what about private student loans, navigating the student loan application process.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate student loans to write unbiased product reviews.

• You'll apply for a federal loan with the FAFSA, and a private loan on the lender's website.
• The FAFSA takes about an hour to complete, while private applications can just a few minutes.
• You'll need a credit check to get a private loan and to get a Direct PLUS Loan from the government.

If you need help paying for college and didn't receive enough money through scholarships or work-study programs, you may need to take out a student loan to cover the costs of school.

Getting a student loan is a fairly straightforward process. You'll apply for the loan through a federal or private lender , then wait for the funds to be disbursed to your school.

The FAFSA is the key to obtaining federal aid. FAFSA — which stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid — determines one's eligibility for loans, grants, and work-study. 

To get started, create your FSA ID , which is essentially your electronic signature for the FAFSA. Parents of dependent students also need an FSA ID. From there, check federal and state deadlines. And remember: Applying early is best!

You won't need a credit check with federal loans, with the exception of a Direct PLUS Loan , which is lent to the parents of undergraduate students or to professional and graduate students. This loan is not based on financial need and has a higher interest rate than subsidized or unsubsidized loans. 

Each school that you've been accepted to will send out a financial award letter detailing the aid package being offered. It will include grants, scholarships, work-study details, and federal student loans (subsidized and/or unsubsidized). After reading through your letter, decide which package makes the most sense for your situation. You don't have to accept the full loan amount offered.

If you have the option, you'll want to take out a subsidized loan over an unsubsidized loan . Subsidized loans are made based on financial need, and the government pays the interest on your loan while you're in school. Financial need doesn't factor into unsubsidized loans, and interest begins to accrue immediately. 

Once you've decided on a financial aid package, fill out any required paperwork and keep all your documents in a safe place. From there, sign up for any online sessions explaining your borrower responsibilities.

You'll also need to sign a Master Promissory Note if you choose to take out a loan. An MPN is a legal document you sign to promise to pay back your loan along with interest and fees. You'll also determine the amount of money you want to borrow and your repayment term. The government won't disburse your loan until you sign this document. 

You can generally expect your school to get your federal funds about 10 days before classes begin. You may experience a 30-day delay if you are both a first-year student and a first-time borrower.

Private student loans often come with higher interest rates and fewer protections for borrowers than federal student loans, but you may need to take them out if your federal options don't cover the cost of your school. 

You can find different applications for private student loans on lenders' websites. You'll probably need to provide similar financial and identification documents as you would on the FAFSA, though the requirements will vary by lender. 

Private lenders will run a credit check to figure out if you qualify for a loan, much like the federal government does with Direct PLUS Loans. Discuss details with your particular lender.

You can apply for a private student loan much more quickly than a federal student loan. You could get your rates and see whether you're approved for a loan within a few minutes with some businesses, and most companies will give you an approval decision within 15 minutes. 

If you want to know the status of your loan disbursement, you can usually check a lender's online portal or call customer service. You'll need to agree to terms similar to those in an MPN and sign a binding document.

Once you officially accept the loan, your college will likely get funds from a private lender within two to 10 weeks. You'll get the funds in your personal bank account if you take out a direct-to-consumer loan, while your school's financial aid office will get the money if you take out a school-certified loan. 

You can fill out the FAFSA before being accepted, but you'll need to add schools later to actually receive award letters.

Schools will usually disburse loans at the start of each semester, but timing can vary.

To get help with the application process, visit your school's financial aid office, the Federal Student Aid website , or your high school counselor.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

• Main content