Parochial schools are most commonly associated with Catholic education; however, a parochial school is defined as any school supported by a specific church, parish or other religious organization. For example, a Baptist church with a school on church grounds that is financially supported or administratively managed by the church would qualify as a parochial school. Parochial schools need not be on church grounds per se, but financial or administrative support from a religious organization is required for this designation to apply.
A private school can be any school supported by individuals or groups other than government agencies. Support from a religious organization or church is common, but not mandatory, and religion-based educational programs are not necessarily required. Any individual or group can set up, support, and administer a private school, provided the school meets state or local requirements for an educational institution. Private schools are typically funded by tuition paid by the parents as well as donations or funding from school supporters.
Parochial schools follow educational programs and curriculum selected or designed by the supporting religious organization. Typically, programs are intended to align with the religious doctrine of the supporting church or parish. Alternatively, private schools may use a religion-based or secular curriculum depending on the beliefs and mission of the schools' supporting organization. Both school types typically adhere to high standards for ethical education programs and moral behavior of students, faculty and staff, as evidenced by a strong focus on character building in the curriculum.
Typically, parochial schools require students, faculty and staff to be members of the parish or church supporting the school; private schools may or may not require specific religious affiliation, depending on the school's mandate. Some private schools require only a statement of faith from parents, while others have no such requirements. In terms of requiring specific affiliations, private schools on the whole are far more lenient and offer more options than parochial schools.
Although not always the case, parochial schools are generally considered a more expensive educational option than private schools in general. Since parochial schools are usually smaller and have a more limited pool of prospective students, the burden of support through tuition and fees is higher. Non-affiliated private schools, on the other hand, have a larger pool of both prospective students and patron supporters; as such, the burden for support through tuition expenses is decreased. Naturally, there are exceptions in which a non-denominational private school is more expensive than a parochial school, but this is not typical.