* Religious affiliation: Religious schools often use standards based on their specific faith's teachings and values, in addition to academic standards. These might incorporate religious texts, moral instruction, and specific worldview perspectives into the curriculum.
* Educational philosophy: Different schools embrace different pedagogical approaches (e.g., Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, classical education). These philosophies shape their curriculum design, teaching methods, and assessment practices.
* Accreditation: While not mandated, many private schools seek accreditation from regional or national accrediting agencies. These agencies, such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) or the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), establish standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, facilities, and financial stability. Meeting these standards demonstrates a commitment to quality education, but the specific standards vary between accrediting agencies.
* School mission and goals: Each private school defines its own mission and goals, which inform its curriculum, student expectations, and overall educational approach. A school focused on STEM might prioritize science and math, while another focused on the arts might emphasize creativity and artistic expression.
* State regulations: While private schools have more autonomy than public schools, they still must comply with certain state regulations, such as health and safety codes, child labor laws, and requirements for teacher certification in some cases. However, these regulations are generally less extensive than those for public schools.
In summary, the standards used by private schools are diverse and depend heavily on the individual school's characteristics and choices. There's no single answer – you'd need to examine the specific school's mission statement, curriculum, and accreditation status to understand its standards.