This book offers consumer information for parents who are considering enrolling their child in a private school. Beginning with a descriptive overview of private schools, the guide discusses advantages of private schools, how to finance a private school education, and how to determine a child's educational needs. The book offers criteria for evaluating a school's accreditation, Scholatic Achievement Test (SAT) scores, financial condition, and campus. The book contains the following chapters: (1) "Private vs. Public...in Case You're Undecided"; (2) "Defining Your Children's Needs"; (3) "Different Schools for Different Kids"; (4) "Standards for Evaluating Schools"; (5) "Evaluating Schools 'On Paper'"; (6) "Evaluating Schools: The Final Phase"; and (7) "A Final Word," which discusses the boarding school experience and the responsibilities of parents of children attending private schools. Appendices contain a sample Private School Evaluation Form, a list of member schools of the National Association of Independent Schools, and a list of financial aid resources. (AMC)