Independent schools vary in size about 200 schools have fewer than 200 students and a similar number have more than 700 students. The median enrollment at an NAIS school is 403 students, up from a 1989-1990 median of 330. NAIS schools in the U.S. enrolled 476,349 students in 1999-2000. Since new schools join the association each year, enrollment trend data is based on a consistent sample of member schools in order that the figures fairly and accurately reflect market trends. The percentage of independent school students receiving need-based financial aid inched up slightly over the past year, with 16.2 percent of all students receiving assistance as opposed to 16.1 percent the previous year.
Financial aid is more readily available at the secondary level in the independent school community.
Many schools assess financial need and process aid applications through the NAIS-owned School and Student Service for Financial Aid operated by the Educational Testing Service. Tuition rates at NAIS schools vary considerably depending on program and region of the country. Payment plans made available by many schools and outside agencies allow families to spread their tuition payments over an eight to 10- month period. Some families take advantage of loan programs that are sometimes available through schools, banks, and other agencies. Independent schools each identify their own criteria for hiring teachers.