Private School Universe Survey (PSS) 2025-26 and 2027-28 Data Collections & 2027-28 PSS Frame Development Activities
Private School Universe Survey (PSS) 2025-26 and 2027-28 Data Collections, and 2027-28 PSS Frame Development Activities
Appendix A-C PSS 2025-2028 Communication Materials v16
Private School Universe Survey (PSS) 2025-26 and 2027-28 Data Collections & 2027-28 PSS Frame Development Activities
OMB: 1850-0641
Private
School Universe Survey
(PSS) 2025-26 and 2027-28 Data
Collections, and 2027-28 PSS Frame Development Activities
Appendix A-C
Communication Materials
OMB# 1850-0641 v.16
Submitted by
National Center for Education Statistics
U.S. Department of Education
September 2024
Appendix A -- State List Request Letter
Dear CONTACT NAME HERE:
The
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) requests your
assistance in improving the coverage and quality of our private
school listings and statistics. Every two years, the NCES conducts
the Private School Survey (PSS). The PSS data allow the NCES to
report on enrollment trends; counts of private schools, students,
teachers, and high school graduates; program emphasis; and types of
private schools. Local, state, and federal policy makers use this
information to understand the state of private education in the
country. The PSS also serves as a list of private schools for
updating the private school search tool on the NCES website, a
publicly available tool for families searching for private school
options that best fit their family needs. In order to conduct the
2025-2026 PSS, we must compile a complete and
accurate list of all private schools in the United States. Please
help us to identify all private or non-public schools in your state.
What we request from you:
A computer file (preferably a spreadsheet) of all private and non-public schools in your state that provide instruction for at least one grade between kindergarten and grade twelve.
If a computer list is not available, please share a hard copy paper listing.
Definition
of eligible school:
Please include all private schools, both religious and non-religious, or non-public schools, with any of the grades kindergarten through grade twelve.
Kindergarten is defined as: An educational program for children (primarily 5-year-olds) who would normally enter first grade in the following year, even if “kindergarten” is not in the name of the program.
Include programs such as transitional or developmental kindergarten if children are expected to enter the first grade upon completing the program.
Please exclude all programs that:
Teach only adult education or postsecondary students;
Are designed only for 3- or 4-year-old children and do not include kindergarten (e.g., Head Start programs, pre-kindergarten, or nursery schools);
Provide only before- or after-school care for children who attend school in another facility;
Provide only child care and do not include kindergarten;
Are considered a homeschool that teaches family members only.
The
file or list should include the following information for each
school:
school name
mailing address
location address
telephone number
Please supply the date the list was last updated.
Sending the list:
The U.S. Census Bureau collects the private school lists for us. You may send your list to the Census Bureau by email or regular mail. Please send your list by August 7, 2024.
To transmit your file via email, please send a message to the following address:
dsmd.private.school.lists@census.gov
To send your list in hard copy format, please mail the file to the following address:
U.S. Census Bureau
ATTN: SPB
Bldg. 63-F
1201 E. 10th St.
Jeffersonville, IN 47132
For additional information on the PSS and other surveys that NCES conducts, please visit our website http://nces.ed.gov. If you have any questions about our list updating, please contact the Survey Processing Branch toll free at 1.800.579.8520.
Thank you in advance for your assistance in improving the accuracy of our private school data collection.
Sincerely,
Peggy Carr
Commissioner
National Center for Education Statistics
Appendix B -- Association List Request Letter
Dear CONTACT NAME HERE:
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) requests your assistance in improving the coverage and quality of our private school listings and statistics. Every two years, the NCES conducts the Private School Survey (PSS). The PSS data allow the NCES to report on enrollment trends; counts of private schools, students, teachers, and high school graduates; program emphasis; and types of private schools. Local, state, and federal policy makers use this information to understand the state of private education in the country. The PSS also serves as a list of private schools for updating the private school search tool on the NCES website, a publicly available tool for families searching for private school options that best fit their family needs. In order to conduct the 2025-2026 PSS, we must compile a complete and accurate list of all private schools in the United States. Please help us to identify all private or non-public schools that currently belong to your association.
What we request from you:
A computer file (preferably a spreadsheet) of all private and non-public schools that
1) currently belong to your association and 2) provide instruction for at least one grade between kindergarten and grade twelve.
If a computer list is not available, please share a hard copy paper listing.
Definition
of eligible school:
Please include all private schools, both religious and non-religious, or non-public schools, with any of the grades kindergarten through grade twelve.
Kindergarten is defined as: An educational program for children (primarily 5-year-olds) who would normally enter first grade in the following year, even if “kindergarten” is not in the name of the program.
Include programs such as transitional or developmental kindergarten if children are expected to enter the first grade upon completing the program.
Please exclude all programs that:
Teach only adult education or postsecondary students;
Are designed only for 3- or 4-year-old children and do not include kindergarten (e.g., Head Start programs, pre-kindergarten, or nursery schools);
Provide only before- or after-school care for children who attend school in another facility;
Provide only child care and do not include kindergarten;
Are considered a homeschool that teaches family members only.
The
file or list should include the following information for each
school:
school name
mailing address
location address
telephone number
grade range
enrollment
number of teachers
school contact email address
Please supply the date the list was last updated.
Sending the list:
The U.S. Census Bureau collects the private school lists for us. You may send your list to the Census Bureau by email or regular mail. Please send your list by August 7, 2024.
To transmit your file via email, please send a message to the following address:
dsmd.private.school.lists@census.gov
To send your list in hard copy format, please mail the file to the following address:
U.S. Census Bureau
ATTN: SPB
Bldg. 63-F
1201 E. 10th St.
Jeffersonville, IN 47132
For additional information on the PSS and other surveys that NCES conducts, please visit our website http://nces.ed.gov. If you have any questions about our list updating, please contact the Survey Processing Branch toll free at 1.800.579.8520.
Thank you in advance for your assistance in improving the accuracy of our private school data collection.
Sincerely,
Peggy Carr
Commissioner
National Center for Education Statistics
Institute of Education Sciences
Appendix C -- School Communication Materials
C1. Telephone Screener Script
PSS TRADITIONAL/ECC PHONE SCRIPT
USE 8 - Area Code - Phone Number
Hello, this is _________________ with the United States Census Bureau. We are updating our list of private schools and I would like to obtain or verify some information.
Are you a private school?
If not private school = Thank them and hang up.
If Private = Continue
Do you teach ANY grades Kindergarten through 12th grade?
(If they say they have Kindergarten = verify they TEACH Kindergarten and NOT a Day Care or Before/Afterschool Facility)
If “No” = Thank them and hang up.
If “Yes” = What grades do you teach?
What is the TOTAL number of teachers at your school?
What is the total number of students at your school?
Ask for number of students enrolled in any grades K-12.
(We do not want to include any O/S grades such as PreK or Postsecondary)
VERIFY while on phone:
NAME OF SCHOOL
MAILING ADDRESS OF SCHOOL
Including City, State, and ZIP
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION.
NOTE: If you reach an answering machine or need to leave a message for someone to return your call, leave this toll-free number with your EXTENSION and/or NAME.
1-800-579-8520 + Extension and/or name
C2. Internet Option First Letter –
Endorser Control Example
PSS-5(L)
(06-2023)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES
NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION STATISTICS
Dear Administrator:
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) within the U.S. Department of Education requests your participation in the 2025-26 Private School Survey (PSS), a national data collection effort administered every two years to private schools across the country. The purpose of the PSS is to obtain current information from all private elementary and secondary schools in recognition of the importance of private education in the United States. Your participation is critical to the success of this survey and ensures that your school is represented in important national data on private schools.
Please complete the survey online within two weeks. You can access the secure website using the information provided below.
Respond
at
https://respond.census.gov/pss Log
in
using
this
User
ID:
The Private School Survey is used to generate an NCES ID number for your school which many private and federal grants require as part of their application process. Your response to this survey ensures that your school retains this NCES ID and is listed on the NCES website.
If you have any questions about this voluntary survey, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau at
1-888-329-5890. Staff will be available to take your call Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm (Eastern Time). You can also contact the U.S. Census Bureau via e-mail at: pss@census.gov.
This data collection is administered by the U.S. Census Bureau for NCES. To learn more about the PSS, please go to https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this very important effort.
Sincerely,
Peggy Carr Commissioner
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
U.S. Department of Education
WASHINGTON, DC 20208 5652
PSS-5(L)
(06-2023)
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), within the U.S. Department of Education, is authorized to conduct this survey by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002, 20 U.S.C. §9543).
The data will be used to produce a web-based private school search tool and statistical summaries about the providers of private education in the United States.
If you choose to provide directly identifying personal information such as your name, it will be kept confidential and not reported with information about your school.
Paperwork Burden Statement
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-0641. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate, suggestions for improving this collection, or comments or concerns about the contents or the status of your individual submission of this questionnaire, please e-mail: pss@census.gov, or write directly to: Private School Survey (PSS), National Center for Education Statistics, Potomac Center Plaza, 550 12th Street SW, Room #4010, Washington, DC 20202.
(06-2023)
C3. Internet Option First Letter –
Classic Endorser List Group & FAQ
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES
NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION STATISTICS
Dear Administrator:
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) within the U.S. Department of Education requests your participation in the 2025-26 Private School Survey (PSS), a national data collection effort administered every two years to private schools across the country. The purpose of the PSS is to obtain current information from all private elementary and secondary schools in recognition of the importance of private education in the United States. Your participation is critical to the success of this survey and ensures that your school is represented in important national data on private schools.
Please complete the survey online within two weeks. You can access the secure website using the information provided below.
Respond
at
https://respond.census.gov/pss Log
in
using
this
User
ID:
The Private School Survey is used to generate an NCES ID number for your school which many private and federal grants require as part of their application process. Your response to this survey ensures that your school retains this NCES ID and is listed on the NCES website.
If you have any questions about this voluntary survey, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau at
1-888-329-5890. Staff will be available to take your call Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm (Eastern Time). You can also contact the U.S. Census Bureau via e-mail at: pss@census.gov.
This data collection is administered by the U.S. Census Bureau for NCES. To learn more about the PSS, please go to https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this very important effort.
Sincerely,
Peggy Carr Commissioner
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
U.S. Department of Education
WASHINGTON, DC 20208 5652
(06-2023)
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), within the U.S. Department of Education, is authorized to conduct this survey by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002, 20 U.S.C. §9543).
The data will be used to produce a web-based private school search tool and statistical summaries about the providers of private education in the United States.
If you choose to provide directly identifying personal information such as your name, it will be kept confidential and not reported with information about your school.
Paperwork Burden Statement
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-0641. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate, suggestions for improving this collection, or comments or concerns about the contents or the status of your individual submission of this questionnaire, please e-mail: pss@census.gov, or write directly to: Private School Survey (PSS), National Center for Education Statistics, Potomac Center Plaza, 550 12th Street SW, Room #4010, Washington, DC 20202.
Endorsed by:
Agudath Israel of America
American Association of Christian Schools American Montessori Society
Association of Christian Schools International Association of Christian Teachers and Schools Association of Military Colleges and Schools Christian Schools International
Council for American Private Education Council of Islamic Schools in North America Evangelical Lutheran Church of America Evangelical Lutheran Education Association
General Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church Islamic School League of America
Jesuit Schools Network Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
National Association for the Education of Young Children National Association of Episcopal Schools
National Association of Independent Schools
National Association of Private Special Education Centers National Catholic Educational Association
National Christian School Association
National Council for Private School Accreditation National Independent Private Schools Accreditation Oral Roberts University Educational Fellowship The Association of Boarding Schools
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
FAQs – Included with each letter mailout
to all groups
2025–26 Private School Survey
The
2025–26 Private School Survey is intended to include all —
Private schools that teach ANY of the following —
At least one of grades 1–12
Ungraded students between 5 and 18 years old
Kindergarten – traditional year of school primarily for 5-year-olds prior to first grade
Transitional (or readiness) kindergarten – extra year of school for kindergarten-age children who are judged not ready for kindergarten
Transitional first (or prefirst) grade – extra year of school for children who have attended kindergarten but have been judged not ready for first grade
Private
early
childhood
programs
and
day
care
centers
that
have
ANY
of
the
following
—
Kindergarten
Transitional (or readiness) kindergarten
Transitional first (or prefirst) grade
All
non-public
elementary
and
secondary
schools
that
include
ANY
of
the
following
—
Private schools that receive tuition for some students from public school districts
Residential treatment centers with an education program
Private schools that provide special education services to public school districts
Special education schools
This survey is NOT intended for the following types of schools or programs —
Public schools, including public charter schools
Bureau of Indian Education-funded schools
State-run schools
Department of Defense schools
Adult education or postsecondary programs
Tutoring programs
Homeschool umbrella organizations
PSS-2(I) (5-2023)
WHO AUTHORIZES THIS SURVEY?
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), within the U.S. Department of Education, is authorized to conduct this survey by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002, 20 U.S.C. §9543). The U.S. Census Bureau will administer this survey on behalf of the NCES.
WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE IN THIS SURVEY?
The 2025-26 Private School Survey includes all private schools and early childhood programs that provide educational instruction to students in kindergarten or at least one grade from 1 to 12.
WHY IS MY SCHOOL’S RESPONSE IMPORTANT?
Private education is a critical part of the U.S. education system. Without accurate information about the nation’s private schools, policy makers have an incomplete picture of education more broadly and cannot make effective decisions on a range of important issues including those around the topic of school choice. A response to this survey ensures that YOUR school is represented in key data and reports produced by the National Center for Education Statistics about private education and school choice. The National Center for Education Statistics is the primary source of statistical information on education for the country.
HOW DOES THIS HELP MY SCHOOL?
The Private School Survey is used to generate an NCES ID number for your school which many private and federal grants require as part of their application process. While NCES also uses the survey to update the private school search tool on our web site: https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/privateschoolsearch/, if you choose to provide directly identifying personal information such as your name, it will be kept confidential and not reported with information about your school. This resource is used by parents looking to find a private school for their children. Importantly, your response to this survey ensures that your school’s voice will be heard in policy decisions.
WHAT ARE RESULTS FROM PREVIOUS SURVEYS?
NCES produces summaries of the data that help parents, educators, and policy makers understand the current state of education in the United States. For example, results from the 2023-24 Private School Survey show that:
Approximately X percent of all elementary and secondary schools in the United States are private institutions; these schools enroll approximately X percent of the nation’s children and employ X percent of the nation’s teachers.
The pupil/teacher ratio was X at private schools, which was lower than the ratio of X at public schools.
Of the X private elementary and secondary schools in the United States, X schools have a membership in at least one private school association, X percent have a religious orientation, and X percent emphasized regular elementary or secondary programs.
In addition to the reports that NCES produces, researchers use the data in their own studies of private schools and policy makers use the data to inform decisions.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DO NOT RESPOND?
There is no penalty for not responding. However, if you do not respond, your school, teachers, and the students you serve will be missing from the education picture. A high response rate is very important to make sure the data represent the private education sector accurately. Accurate representation of the private education sector is critical to the design and interpretation of education research for governmental, university based, and private research. The Private School Survey is used to generate an NCES ID number for your school which many private and federal grants require as part of their application process. Your response to this survey ensures your school retains this NCES ID and is listed on the NCES site. We encourage you to participate in this voluntary survey.
PSS-2(I) (5-2023)
C4. Internet Option First Letter –
Endorser Insert Group
PSS-5(L)
(06-2023)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES
NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION STATISTICS
Dear Administrator:
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) within the U.S. Department of Education requests your participation in the 2025-26 Private School Survey (PSS), a national data collection effort administered every two years to private schools across the country. The purpose of the PSS is to obtain current information from all private elementary and secondary schools in recognition of the importance of private education in the United States. Your participation is critical to the success of this survey and ensures that your school is represented in important national data on private schools.
Please complete the survey online within two weeks. You can access the secure website using the information provided below.
Respond
at
https://respond.census.gov/pss Log
in
using
this
User
ID:
The Private School Survey is used to generate an NCES ID number for your school which many private and federal grants require as part of their application process. Your response to this survey ensures that your school retains this NCES ID and is listed on the NCES website.
If you have any questions about this voluntary survey, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau at
1-888-329-5890. Staff will be available to take your call Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm (Eastern Time). You can also contact the U.S. Census Bureau via e-mail at: pss@census.gov.
This data collection is administered by the U.S. Census Bureau for NCES. To learn more about the PSS, please go to https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this very important effort.
Sincerely,
Peggy Carr Commissioner
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
U.S. Department of Education
WASHINGTON, DC 20208 5652
PSS-5(L)
(06-2023)
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), within the U.S. Department of Education, is authorized to conduct this survey by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002, 20 U.S.C. §9543).
The data will be used to produce a web-based private school search tool and statistical summaries about the providers of private education in the United States.
If you choose to provide directly identifying personal information such as your name, it will be kept confidential and not reported with information about your school.
Paperwork Burden Statement
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-0641. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate, suggestions for improving this collection, or comments or concerns about the contents or the status of your individual submission of this questionnaire, please e-mail: pss@census.gov, or write directly to: Private School Survey (PSS), National Center for Education Statistics, Potomac Center Plaza, 550 12th Street SW, Room #4010, Washington, DC 20202.
We thank the following organizations for endorsing the Private School Survey
C5. Internet Option Second Letter
(06-2023)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES
NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION STATISTICS
Dear Administrator:
We recently sent you a request to complete the 2025-26 Private School Survey (PSS). If you have not completed the survey yet, please do so as soon as possible. Data from this survey will be instrumental in assisting government agencies with policy decisions, in research conducted by private organizations, and in reports generated by news and media organizations to inform the public about the status of private education in the United States.
The internet link to the secure survey website and your personalized User ID are below. Your response is vital to provide a complete picture of private school education in this country.
Respond
now
at
https://respond.census.gov/pss Log
in
using
this
User
ID:
If you would prefer to complete the Private School Survey on paper rather than online, please complete and return the enclosed paper questionnaire in the postage-paid return envelope.
As a reminder, the Private School Survey is used to generate an NCES ID number for your school which many private and federal grants require as part of their application process. Without your response to this survey your school’s NCES ID cannot remain active and will no longer be listed on the NCES site.
If you have any questions about this voluntary survey, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau at
1-888-329-5890 or by email at pss@census.gov. Staff will be available to take your call or answer your email from Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm (Eastern Time).
To learn more about the PSS, please go to https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/. Thank you in advance for your assistance with this national survey recognizing the importance of private education in the United States.
Sincerely,
Peggy Carr Commissioner
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
U.S. Department of Education
WASHINGTON, DC 20208 5652
(06-2023)
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), within the U.S. Department of Education, is authorized to conduct this survey by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002, 20 U.S.C. §9543).
The data will be used to produce a web-based private school search tool and statistical summaries about the providers of private education in the United States.
If you choose to provide directly identifying personal information such as your name, it will be kept confidential and not reported with information about your school.
Paperwork Burden Statement
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-0641. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate, suggestions for improving this collection, or comments or concerns about the contents or the status of your individual submission of this questionnaire, please e-mail: pss@census.gov, or write directly to: Private School Survey (PSS), National Center for Education Statistics, Potomac Center Plaza, 550 12th Street SW, Room #4010, Washington, DC 20202.
Endorsed by:
Agudath Israel of America
American Association of Christian Schools American Montessori Society
Association of Christian Schools International Association of Christian Teachers and Schools Association of Military Colleges and Schools Christian Schools International
Council for American Private Education Council of Islamic Schools in North America Evangelical Lutheran Church of America Evangelical Lutheran Education Association
General Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church Islamic School League of America
Jesuit Schools Network Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
National Association for the Education of Young Children National Association of Episcopal Schools
National Association of Independent Schools
National Association of Private Special Education Centers National Catholic Educational Association
National Christian School Association
National Council for Private School Accreditation National Independent Private Schools Accreditation Oral Roberts University Educational Fellowship The Association of Boarding Schools
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
C6. Internet Option Third Letter
(06-2023)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES
NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION STATISTICS
Dear Administrator:
We recently sent you several requests to complete the 2025-26 Private School Survey (PSS). Your participation will help us continue to provide comprehensive data on private school education in the United States. Completing this survey will ensure that your school’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) ID number and information stay active on our website.
If you have not had the opportunity to take the survey yet, please complete the enclosed paper questionnaire as soon as possible and return it to us in the postage-paid envelope. Alternatively, you may still complete the PSS online using the secure survey website and your personalized User ID.
Respond
now
at
https://respond.census.gov/pss Log
in
using
this
User
ID:
NCES produces summaries of the data that help parents, educators, and policy makers understand the current state of education in the United States. For example, results from the 2023-24 Private School Survey show that:
Approximately X percent of all elementary and secondary schools in the United States are private institutions; these schools enroll approximately X percent of the nation’s children and employ X percent of the nation’s teachers.
The pupil/teacher ratio was X at private schools, which was lower than the ratio of X at public schools.
Of the X private elementary and secondary schools in the United States, X schools have a membership in at least one private school association, X percent have a religious orientation, and X percent emphasized regular elementary or secondary programs.
In addition to the reports that NCES produces, researchers use the data in their own studies of private schools and policy makers use the data to inform decisions. We encourage you to participate in this voluntary survey.
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau by phone at 1-888-329-5890 or by e-mail at: pss@census.gov. To learn more about the PSS, please go to https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/.
Thank you in advance for your participation in this very important effort.
Sincerely,
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
U.S. Department of Education
WASHINGTON, DC 20208 5652
(06-2023)
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), within the U.S. Department of Education, is authorized to conduct this survey by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002, 20 U.S.C. §9543).
The data will be used to produce a web-based private school search tool and statistical summaries about the providers of private education in the United States.
If you choose to provide directly identifying personal information such as your name, it will be kept confidential and not reported with information about your school.
Paperwork Burden Statement
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-0641. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate, suggestions for improving this collection, or comments or concerns about the contents or the status of your individual submission of this questionnaire, please e-mail: pss@census.gov, or write directly to: Private School Survey (PSS), National Center for Education Statistics, Potomac Center Plaza, 550 12th Street SW, Room #4010, Washington, DC 20202.
Endorsed by:
Agudath Israel of America
American Association of Christian Schools American Montessori Society
Association of Christian Schools International Association of Christian Teachers and Schools Association of Military Colleges and Schools Christian Schools International
Council for American Private Education Council of Islamic Schools in North America Evangelical Lutheran Church of America Evangelical Lutheran Education Association
General Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church Islamic School League of America
Jesuit Schools Network Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
National Association for the Education of Young Children National Association of Episcopal Schools
National Association of Independent Schools
National Association of Private Special Education Centers National Catholic Educational Association
National Christian School Association
National Council for Private School Accreditation National Independent Private Schools Accreditation Oral Roberts University Educational Fellowship The Association of Boarding Schools
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
C7. Non-Internet Option First Letter & FAQ
(06-2023)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES
NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION STATISTICS
Dear Administrator:
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) within the U.S. Department of Education requests your participation in the 2025-26 Private School Survey (PSS), a national data collection administered every two years to private schools across the country. The purpose of the PSS is to obtain current information from all private elementary and secondary schools in recognition of the importance of private education in the United States. Your participation is critical to the success of this survey and ensures that your school is represented in important national data on private schools.
Take the time now to ensure your school is counted. Please complete the enclosed questionnaire as soon as possible and return it in the postage-paid envelope.
The Private School Survey is used to generate an NCES ID number for your school which many private and federal grants require as part of their application process. Your response to this survey ensures your school retains this NCES ID and is listed on the NCES site. Your response also helps provide a complete picture of private education in the United States.
This data collection is administered by the U.S. Census Bureau for NCES. If you have any questions about this voluntary survey, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau at 1-888-329-5890. Staff will be available to take your call Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm (Eastern Time).
Thank
you in advance for your cooperation in this important data
collection effort! Sincerely,
Peggy Carr Commissioner
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
U.S. Department of Education
WASHINGTON, DC 20208 5652
(06-2023)
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), within the U.S. Department of Education, is authorized to conduct this survey by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002, 20 U.S.C. §9543).
The data will be used to produce a web-based private school search tool and statistical summaries about the providers of private education in the United States.
If you choose to provide directly identifying personal information such as your name, it will be kept confidential and not reported with information about your school.
Paperwork Burden Statement
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-0641. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate, suggestions for improving this collection, or comments or concerns about the contents or the status of your individual submission of this questionnaire, please e-mail: pss@census.gov, or write directly to: Private School Survey (PSS), National Center for Education Statistics, Potomac Center Plaza, 550 12th Street SW, Room #4010, Washington, DC 20202.
Endorsed by:
Agudath Israel of America
American Association of Christian Schools American Montessori Society
Association of Christian Schools International Association of Christian Teachers and Schools Association of Military Colleges and Schools Christian Schools International
Council for American Private Education Council of Islamic Schools in North America Evangelical Lutheran Church of America Evangelical Lutheran Education Association
General Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church Islamic School League of America
Jesuit Schools Network Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
National Association for the Education of Young Children National Association of Episcopal Schools
National Association of Independent Schools
National Association of Private Special Education Centers National Catholic Educational Association
National Christian School Association
National Council for Private School Accreditation National Independent Private Schools Accreditation Oral Roberts University Educational Fellowship The Association of Boarding Schools
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
FAQs – Included with each letter mailout
to all groups
2027–28 Private School Survey
The
2025–26 Private School Survey is intended to include all —
Private schools that teach ANY of the following —
At least one of grades 1–12
Ungraded students between 5 and 18 years old
Kindergarten – traditional year of school primarily for 5-year-olds prior to first grade
Transitional (or readiness) kindergarten – extra year of school for kindergarten-age children who are judged not ready for kindergarten
Transitional first (or prefirst) grade – extra year of school for children who have attended kindergarten but have been judged not ready for first grade
Private
early
childhood
programs
and
day
care
centers
that
have
ANY
of
the
following
—
Kindergarten
Transitional (or readiness) kindergarten
Transitional first (or prefirst) grade
All
non-public
elementary
and
secondary
schools
that
include
ANY
of
the
following
—
Private schools that receive tuition for some students from public school districts
Residential treatment centers with an education program
Private schools that provide special education services to public school districts
Special education schools
This survey is NOT intended for the following types of schools or programs —
Public schools, including public charter schools
Bureau of Indian Education-funded schools
State-run schools
Department of Defense schools
Adult education or postsecondary programs
Tutoring programs
Homeschool umbrella organizations
PSS-2(I) (5-2023)
WHO AUTHORIZES THIS SURVEY?
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), within the U.S. Department of Education, is authorized to conduct this survey by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002, 20 U.S.C. §9543). The U.S. Census Bureau will administer this survey on behalf of the NCES.
WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE IN THIS SURVEY?
The 2025-26 Private School Survey includes all private schools and early childhood programs that provide educational instruction to students in kindergarten or at least one grade from 1 to 12.
WHY IS MY SCHOOL’S RESPONSE IMPORTANT?
Private education is a critical part of the U.S. education system. Without accurate information about the nation’s private schools, policy makers have an incomplete picture of education more broadly and cannot make effective decisions on a range of important issues including those around the topic of school choice. A response to this survey ensures that YOUR school is represented in key data and reports produced by the National Center for Education Statistics about private education and school choice. The National Center for Education Statistics is the primary source of statistical information on education for the country.
HOW DOES THIS HELP MY SCHOOL?
The Private School Survey is used to generate an NCES ID number for your school which many private and federal grants require as part of their application process. While NCES also uses the survey to update the private school search tool on our web site: https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/privateschoolsearch/, if you choose to provide directly identifying personal information such as your name, it will be kept confidential and not reported with information about your school. This resource is used by parents looking to find a private school for their children. Importantly, your response to this survey ensures that your school’s voice will be heard in policy decisions.
WHAT ARE RESULTS FROM PREVIOUS SURVEYS?
NCES produces summaries of the data that help parents, educators, and policy makers understand the current state of education in the United States. For example, results from the 2023-24 Private School Survey show that:
Approximately X percent of all elementary and secondary schools in the United States are private institutions; these schools enroll approximately X percent of the nation’s children and employ X percent of the nation’s teachers.
The pupil/teacher ratio was X at private schools, which was lower than the ratio of X at public schools.
Of the X private elementary and secondary schools in the United States, X schools have a membership in at least one private school association, X percent have a religious orientation, and X percent emphasized regular elementary or secondary programs.
In addition to the reports that NCES produces, researchers use the data in their own studies of private schools and policy makers use the data to inform decisions.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DO NOT RESPOND?
There is no penalty for not responding. However, if you do not respond, your school, teachers, and the students you serve will be missing from the education picture. A high response rate is very important to make sure the data represent the private education sector accurately. Accurate representation of the private education sector is critical to the design and interpretation of education research for governmental, university based, and private research. The Private School Survey is used to generate an NCES ID number for your school which many private and federal grants require as part of their application process. Your response to this survey ensures your school retains this NCES ID and is listed on the NCES site. We encourage you to participate in this voluntary survey.
C8. Non-Internet Option Second Letter
(06-2023)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES
NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION STATISTICS
Dear Administrator:
We recently sent you several requests to complete the 2025-26 Private School Survey (PSS). Your participation will help us continue to provide comprehensive data on private school education in the United States and completing this survey will ensure that your school’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) ID number and information remain active.
If you have already completed the survey, thank you for your participation in this important national data collection effort. If you have not had the opportunity to take the survey yet, please complete the enclosed paper questionnaire as soon as possible and return it to us in the postage-paid envelope.
NCES produces summaries of the PSS data that help parents, educators, and policy makers understand the current state of education in the United States. For example, results from the 2023-24 Private School Survey show that:
Approximately X percent of all elementary and secondary schools in the United States are private institutions; these schools enroll approximately X percent of the nation’s children and employ X percent of the nation’s teachers.
The pupil/teacher ratio was X at private schools, which was lower than the ratio of X at public schools.
Of the X private elementary and secondary schools in the United States, X schools have a membership in at least one private school association, X percent have a religious orientation, and X percent emphasized regular elementary or secondary programs.
In addition to the reports that NCES produces, researchers use the data in their own studies of private schools and policy makers use the data to inform decisions. We encourage you to participate in this voluntary survey.
If you have any questions, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau at 1-888-329-5890. Staff will be available to take your call Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm (Eastern Time).
Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this national survey recognizing the importance of private education in the United States.
Sincerely,
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
U.S. Department of Education
WASHINGTON, DC 20208 5652
(06-2023)
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), within the U.S. Department of Education, is authorized to conduct this survey by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002, 20 U.S.C. §9543).
The data will be used to produce a web-based private school search tool and statistical summaries about the providers of private education in the United States.
If you choose to provide directly identifying personal information such as your name, it will be kept confidential and not reported with information about your school.
Paperwork Burden Statement
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-0641. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate, suggestions for improving this collection, or comments or concerns about the contents or the status of your individual submission of this questionnaire, please e-mail: pss@census.gov, or write directly to: Private School Survey (PSS), National Center for Education Statistics, Potomac Center Plaza, 550 12th Street SW, Room #4010, Washington, DC 20202.
Endorsed by:
Agudath Israel of America
American Association of Christian Schools American Montessori Society
Association of Christian Schools International Association of Christian Teachers and Schools Association of Military Colleges and Schools Christian Schools International
Council for American Private Education Council of Islamic Schools in North America Evangelical Lutheran Church of America Evangelical Lutheran Education Association
General Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church Islamic School League of America
Jesuit Schools Network Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
National Association for the Education of Young Children National Association of Episcopal Schools
National Association of Independent Schools
National Association of Private Special Education Centers National Catholic Educational Association
National Christian School Association
National Council for Private School Accreditation National Independent Private Schools Accreditation Oral Roberts University Educational Fellowship The Association of Boarding Schools
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
C9. CATI Follow-up Script
This is
[name of
caller] from
the U.S. Census Bureau. I'm
calling regarding the Private School Survey.
The
purpose of this survey is to obtain current information about private
schools in the United States.
This call may be monitored to evaluate my performance. The interview should take approximately 20 minutes.
From here, screens and script in the Blaise instrument vary depending on response.
NOTE: If you reach an answering machine or need to leave a message for someone to return your call, leave this message:
"This is the U.S. Census Bureau. Please return our call at this toll-free number 1-877-749-4938. Please refer to case #___________. Thank you."
C10. Reminder Postcard #1
JUST A REMINDER
Recently the U.S. Census Bureau contacted you about this year’s Private School Survey (PSS) that we are conducting.
If you have received the questionnaire but have not yet had time to complete it, please do so as soon as possible. Your response is critical to having an accurate picture of private education in the United States.
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau at 1-888-329-5890. Staff will be available to take your call Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).
Thank You.
0948-PC (5-2023)
JUST A REMINDER
Recently the U.S. Census Bureau contacted you about this year’s Private School Survey (PSS) that we are conducting.
If you have received the questionnaire but have not yet had time to complete it, please do so as soon as possible. Your response is critical to having an accurate picture of private education in the United States.
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau at 1-888-329-5890. Staff will be available to take your call Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).
Thank You.
0948-PC (5-2023)
C11. Reminder Email #1
Mid-Mailing
Email to Schools –
Endorser
Control Example
Subject line: U.S. Department of Education Survey Reminder
Dear <ADMINISTRATOR>:
We at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) within the U.S. Department of Education request your participation in the 2025-26 Private School Survey (PSS). Data from this survey will be instrumental in assisting government agencies with policy decisions, in research conducted by private organizations, and in reports generated by news and media organizations to inform the public about the status of private education in the United States.
We have attempted to reach your school by mail and have not yet received your response. If you have not completed the survey yet, please do so within the next two weeks.
The secure link to the website and your personalized User ID are below. We encourage you to participate in this voluntary survey.
Respond now at https://respond.census.gov/pss
Log in using this User ID: <USERID>
As a reminder, the Private School Survey is used to generate an NCES ID number for your school which many private and federal grants require as part of their application process. Without your response to this survey your school's NCES ID cannot remain active and will no longer be listed on the NCES site.
If you have any questions, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau at 1-888-329-5890 or by email at pss@census.gov. Staff will be available to take your call or answer your email from Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm (Eastern Time).
To learn more about the PSS, please go to https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/. Thank you in advance for your assistance with this national survey recognizing the importance of private education in the United States.
Sincerely,
Private
School Survey Team
U.S. Census Bureau, on behalf of
Peggy
Carr, Commissioner
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
U.S. Department of Education
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), within the U.S. Department of Education, is authorized to conduct this survey by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002, 20 U.S.C. §9543).
The data will be used to produce a web-based private school search tool and statistical summaries about the providers of private education in the United States.
If you choose to provide directly identifying personal information such as your name, it will be kept confidential and not reported with information about your school.
Paperwork Burden Statement
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-0641. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate, suggestions for improving this collection, or comments or concerns about the contents or the status of your individual submission of this questionnaire, please e-mail: pss@census.gov, or write directly to: Private School Universe Survey (PSS), National Center for Education Statistics, Potomac Center Plaza, 550 12th Street SW, Room #4012, Washington, DC 20202.
C12. Reminder Email #1
Mid-Mailing
Email to Schools –
Classic
Endorser List Group Example
Subject line: U.S. Department of Education Survey Reminder
Dear <ADMINISTRATOR>:
We at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) within the U.S. Department of Education request your participation in the 2025-26 Private School Survey (PSS). Data from this survey will be instrumental in assisting government agencies with policy decisions, in research conducted by private organizations, and in reports generated by news and media organizations to inform the public about the status of private education in the United States.
We have attempted to reach your school by mail and have not yet received your response. If you have not completed the survey yet, please do so within the next two weeks.
The secure link to the website and your personalized User ID are below. We encourage you to participate in this voluntary survey.
Respond now at https://respond.census.gov/pss
Log in using this User ID: <USERID>
As a reminder, the Private School Survey is used to generate an NCES ID number for your school which many private and federal grants require as part of their application process. Without your response to this survey your school's NCES ID cannot remain active and will no longer be listed on the NCES site.
If you have any questions, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau at 1-888-329-5890 or by email at pss@census.gov. Staff will be available to take your call or answer your email from Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm (Eastern Time).
To learn more about the PSS, please go to https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/. Thank you in advance for your assistance with this national survey recognizing the importance of private education in the United States.
Sincerely,
Private
School Survey Team
U.S. Census Bureau, on behalf of
Peggy
Carr, Commissioner
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
U.S. Department of Education
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), within the U.S. Department of Education, is authorized to conduct this survey by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002, 20 U.S.C. §9543).
The data will be used to produce a web-based private school search tool and statistical summaries about the providers of private education in the United States.
If you choose to provide directly identifying personal information such as your name, it will be kept confidential and not reported with information about your school.
Paperwork Burden Statement
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-0641. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate, suggestions for improving this collection, or comments or concerns about the contents or the status of your individual submission of this questionnaire, please e-mail: pss@census.gov, or write directly to: Private School Universe Survey (PSS), National Center for Education Statistics, Potomac Center Plaza, 550 12th Street SW, Room #4012, Washington, DC 20202.
Endorsed by:
Agudath Israel of America
American Association of Christian Schools American Montessori Society
Association of Christian Schools International Association of Christian Teachers and Schools Association of Military Colleges and Schools Christian Schools International
Council for American Private Education Council of Islamic Schools in North America Evangelical Lutheran Church of America Evangelical Lutheran Education Association
General Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church Islamic School League of America
Jesuit Schools Network Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
National Association for the Education of Young Children National Association of Episcopal Schools
National Association of Independent Schools
National Association of Private Special Education Centers National Catholic Educational Association
National Christian School Association
National Council for Private School Accreditation National Independent Private Schools Accreditation Oral Roberts University Educational Fellowship The Association of Boarding Schools
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
C13. Reminder Email #1
Mid-Mailing
Email to Schools –
Endorser
Insert Group Example
Subject line: U.S. Department of Education Survey Reminder
Dear <ADMINISTRATOR>:
We at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) within the U.S. Department of Education request your participation in the 2025-26 Private School Survey (PSS). Data from this survey will be instrumental in assisting government agencies with policy decisions, in research conducted by private organizations, and in reports generated by news and media organizations to inform the public about the status of private education in the United States.
We have attempted to reach your school by mail and have not yet received your response. If you have not completed the survey yet, please do so within the next two weeks.
The secure link to the website and your personalized User ID are below. We encourage you to participate in this voluntary survey.
Respond now at https://respond.census.gov/pss
Log in using this User ID: <USERID>
As a reminder, the Private School Survey is used to generate an NCES ID number for your school which many private and federal grants require as part of their application process. Without your response to this survey your school's NCES ID cannot remain active and will no longer be listed on the NCES site.
If you have any questions, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau at 1-888-329-5890 or by email at pss@census.gov. Staff will be available to take your call or answer your email from Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm (Eastern Time).
To learn more about the PSS, please go to https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/. Thank you in advance for your assistance with this national survey recognizing the importance of private education in the United States.
Sincerely,
Private
School Survey Team
U.S. Census Bureau, on behalf of
Peggy
Carr, Commissioner
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
U.S. Department of Education
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), within the U.S. Department of Education, is authorized to conduct this survey by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002, 20 U.S.C. §9543).
The data will be used to produce a web-based private school search tool and statistical summaries about the providers of private education in the United States.
If you choose to provide directly identifying personal information such as your name, it will be kept confidential and not reported with information about your school.
Paperwork Burden Statement
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-0641. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate, suggestions for improving this collection, or comments or concerns about the contents or the status of your individual submission of this questionnaire, please e-mail: pss@census.gov, or write directly to: Private School Universe Survey (PSS), National Center for Education Statistics, Potomac Center Plaza, 550 12th Street SW, Room #4012, Washington, DC 20202.
We thank the following organizations for endorsing the Private School Survey
C14. Reminder Email #2
Pre-CATI
Email to Schools
Subject line: Expect a call soon about the U.S. Department of Education Survey
Dear <ADMINISTRATOR>:
We recently contacted you regarding the 2025-26 Private School Survey (PSS), which obtains current information about private schools across the country in recognition of the importance of private education in the United States. We understand that you are busy and thank you in advance for your participation in this important national data collection. The survey will only take about 20 minutes to complete.
In January, we will begin calling schools that have not responded to provide the opportunity to respond over the phone. Or our convenient online instrument allows you to respond on a secure website, without the need for survey staff to call your school.
Respond now at https://respond.census.gov/pss
Log in using this User ID: <USERID>
Data from this survey will be instrumental in assisting government agencies with policy decisions, and to construct reports that describe the status of private schools in the United States. Researchers in private organizations use the data to conduct analyses for projects and studies. Reports and tabulations generated from PSS data are also used by news and media organizations to inform the public about the status of private education in the United States.
If you have any questions, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau at 1-888-329-5890 or by email at pss@census.gov. Staff will be available to take your call or answer your email from Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm (Eastern Time).
To learn more about PSS, visit https://www.nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss.
Sincerely,
Private
School Survey Team
U.S. Census Bureau, on behalf of
Peggy
Carr, Commissioner
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
U.S. Department of Education
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), within the U.S. Department of Education, is authorized to conduct this survey by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002, 20 U.S.C. §9543).
The data will be used to produce a web-based private school search tool and statistical summaries about the providers of private education in the United States.
If you choose to provide directly identifying personal information such as your name, it will be kept confidential and not reported with information about your school.
Paperwork Burden Statement
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-0641. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate, suggestions for improving this collection, or comments or concerns about the contents or the status of your individual submission of this questionnaire, please e-mail: pss@census.gov, or write directly to: Private School Universe Survey (PSS), National Center for Education Statistics, Potomac Center Plaza, 550 12th Street SW, Room #4012, Washington, DC 20202.
C15. Reminder Email #3
Pre-Field NRFU Email to Schools
Subject line: Expect In-Person Visit for U.S. Dept. of Education Survey
Dear <ADMINISTRATOR>:
We have been trying to contact your school by mail and phone to participate in the 2025-26 Private School Survey (PSS), but we do not yet have your response.
Census Bureau representatives will begin visiting schools in April to provide a replacement paper questionnaire and the opportunity to respond in person. Or our online instrument is still available for you to respond without the need for survey staff to visit your school in person.
Respond now at https://respond.census.gov/pss
Log in using this User ID: <USERID>
Your participation is vital to the success of this survey as higher response rates give us confidence that the findings are accurate.
If you have any questions, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau at 1-888-329-5890 or by email at pss@census.gov. Staff will be available to take your call or answer your email from Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm (Eastern Time).
To learn more about PSS, visit https://www.nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this important national data collection effort!
Sincerely,
Private
School Survey Team
U.S. Census Bureau, on behalf of
Peggy
Carr, Commissioner
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
U.S. Department of Education
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), within the U.S. Department of Education, is authorized to conduct this survey by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002, 20 U.S.C. §9543).
The data will be used to produce a web-based private school search tool and statistical summaries about the providers of private education in the United States.
If you choose to provide directly identifying personal information such as your name, it will be kept confidential and not reported with information about your school.
Paperwork Burden Statement
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-0641. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate, suggestions for improving this collection, or comments or concerns about the contents or the status of your individual submission of this questionnaire, please e-mail: pss@census.gov, or write directly to: Private School Universe Survey (PSS), National Center for Education Statistics, Potomac Center Plaza, 550 12th Street SW, Room #4012, Washington, DC 20202.
C16. Reminder Email #4
Final Email to Schools
Subject line: U.S. Dept. of Education Survey FINAL NOTICE
Dear <ADMINISTRATOR>:
This is your school’s last chance to participate in the 2025-26 Private School Survey (PSS).
We must receive your completed response as soon as possible. The Private School Survey is used to generate an NCES ID number for your school which many private and federal grants require as part of their application process. Your response to this survey ensures your school retains this NCES ID and is listed on the NCES private school search tool. Your response also helps provide a complete picture of private education in the United States.
It is critical that you respond now by clicking on the secure link below and logging in with your personalized User ID.
Respond now at https://respond.census.gov/pss
Log in using this User ID: <USERID>
Census Bureau representatives are currently visiting schools to provide the opportunity to respond on a paper questionnaire. However, you can still respond online using the secure website above without the need for survey staff to visit your school in person.
If you have any questions, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau at 1-888-329-5890 or by email at pss@census.gov. Staff will be available to take your call or answer your email from Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm (Eastern Time).
To learn more about PSS, visit https://www.nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss.
Sincerely,
Private
School Survey Team
U.S. Census Bureau, on behalf of
Peggy
Carr, Commissioner
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
U.S. Department of Education
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), within the U.S. Department of Education, is authorized to conduct this survey by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002, 20 U.S.C. §9543).
The data will be used to produce a web-based private school search tool and statistical summaries about the providers of private education in the United States.
If you choose to provide directly identifying personal information such as your name, it will be kept confidential and not reported with information about your school.
Paperwork Burden Statement
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-0641. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate, suggestions for improving this collection, or comments or concerns about the contents or the status of your individual submission of this questionnaire, please e-mail: pss@census.gov, or write directly to: Private School Universe Survey (PSS), National Center for Education Statistics, Potomac Center Plaza, 550 12th Street SW, Room #4012, Washington, DC 20202.
C17. Non-Internet Thank You Postcard
PRESORTED
FIRST-CLASS
MAIL
POSTAGE
&
FEES
PAID
U.S.
Census
Bureau
Permit No. G-58
c/o U.S. Census Bureau 1201 E 10th St
Jeffersonville IN 47132-0001
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
Penalty for Private Use $300
0949-PC (05-02-2023)
PRESORTED
FIRST-CLASS
MAIL
POSTAGE
&
FEES
PAID
U.S.
Census
Bureau
Permit No. G-58
c/o U.S. Census Bureau 1201 E 10th St
Jeffersonville IN 47132-0001
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
Penalty for Private Use $300
0949-PC (05-02-2023)
THANK YOU
Thank you for your participation in this year’s Private School Survey (PSS). Your response ensures that your school is represented in important national data on private schools and helps to provide a complete picture of private education in the United States.
We look forward to your continued participation in the PSS, which will be administered in the fall of 2027. If you have any questions about the current or future survey, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau at
1-800-221-1204. Staff will be available to take your call Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).
0948-PC(A) (5-2023)
THANK YOU
Thank you for your participation in this year’s Private School Survey (PSS). Your response ensures that your school is represented in important national data on private schools and helps to provide a complete picture of private education in the United States.
We look forward to your continued participation in the PSS, which will be administered in the fall of 2027. If you have any questions about the current or future survey, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau at
1-800-221-1204. Staff will be available to take your call Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).
0948-PC(A) (5-2023)
C18. Reminder Postcard #2
(05-2023)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES
NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION STATISTICS
JUST A REMINDER
We recently contacted you about the 2025-26 Private School Survey (PSS). If you have not yet had time to complete the survey, please do so as soon as possible. The link to the secure survey website and your personalized User ID is listed below.
Please complete the survey online within two weeks.
Respond
now
at
https://respond.census.gov/pss Log
in
using
this
User
ID:
Completing the PSS will also ensure that your school’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) ID number and information stay current on our website. This ID is required for many private and federal grant application processes. Without the most current information based on your survey response, your school’s NCES ID cannot remain active and will no longer be listed on the NCES site.
If you have any questions about this voluntary survey, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau at 1-888-329-5890. Staff will be available to take your call Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).
Thank
You.
Peggy Carr Commissioner
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
U.S. Department of Education
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), within the U.S. Department of Education, is authorized to conduct this survey by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002, 20 U.S.C. §9543).
The data will be used to produce a web-based private school search tool and statistical summaries about the providers of private education in the United States.
If you choose to provide directly identifying personal information such as your name, it will be kept confidential and not reported with information about your school.
Paperwork Burden Statement
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-0641. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate, suggestions for improving this collection, or comments or concerns about the contents or the status of your individual submission of this questionnaire, please e-mail: pss@census.gov, or write directly to: Private School Survey (PSS), National Center for Education Statistics, Potomac Center Plaza, 550 12th Street SW, Room #4010, Washington, DC 20202.
WASHINGTON, DC 20208–5652
PRESORTED
FIRST-CLASS
MAIL
POSTAGE
&
FEES
PAID
U.S.
Census
Bureau
Permit No. G-58
c/o U.S. Census Bureau 1201 E 10th St
Jeffersonville IN 47132-0001
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
Penalty for Private Use $300
0948-PS (5-2023)
C19. Initial Email to Schools
Subject line: U.S. Department of Education Survey
Dear <ADMINISTRATOR>:
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) within the U.S. Department of Education requests your participation in the 2025-26 Private School Survey (PSS), a national data collection effort administered every two years to private schools across the country.
We encourage you to participate in this voluntary 20-minute survey, which includes questions about school characteristics including the number of students and teachers. The secure link to the website and your personalized User ID is below.
Respond now at https://respond.census.gov/pss
Log in using this User ID: <USERID>
We are collecting data from all private elementary and secondary schools. The Private School Survey is used to generate an NCES ID number for your school which many private and federal grants require as part of their application process. Your response to this survey ensures that your school retains this NCES ID and is listed on the NCES site.
If you have any questions, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau at 1-888-329-5890 or by email at pss@census.gov. Staff will be available to take your call or answer your email from Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm (Eastern Time).
To learn more about the PSS, please go to https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/. Thank you in advance for your assistance with this national survey recognizing the importance of private education in the United States.
Sincerely,
Private
School Survey Team
U.S. Census Bureau, on behalf of
Peggy
Carr, Commissioner
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
U.S. Department of Education
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), within the U.S. Department of Education, is authorized to conduct this survey by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002, 20 U.S.C. §9543).
The data will be used to produce a web-based private school search tool and statistical summaries about the providers of private education in the United States.
If you choose to provide directly identifying personal information such as your name, it will be kept confidential and not reported with information about your school.
Paperwork Burden Statement
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-0641. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate, suggestions for improving this collection, or comments or concerns about the contents or the status of your individual submission of this questionnaire, please e-mail: pss@census.gov, or write directly to: Private School Universe Survey (PSS), National Center for Education Statistics, Potomac Center Plaza, 550 12th Street SW, Room #4010, Washington, DC 20202.
C20. Login page for the internet version of
the PSS
The National Center for Education Statistics
(NCES), within the U.S. Department of Education, is authorized to
conduct this survey by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002
(ESRA 2002, 20 U.S.C. §9543).
The data will be used to produce a web-based
private school search tool and statistical summaries about the
providers of private education in the United States.
If you choose to provide directly identifying
personal information such as your name, it will be kept confidential
and not reported with information about your school.
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of
information
unless
it
displays
a
valid
OMB
control
number.
The
valid
OMB
control
number
for
this
voluntary information collection
is 1850-0641. The time required to complete this information
collection is estimated to average 20 minutes per response,
including the time to review instructions, search existing data
resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the
information collection. If you have any comments concerning the
accuracy of the time estimate, suggestions for improving this
collection, or comments
or
concerns
about
the
contents
or
the
status
of
your
individual
submission
of
this
questionnaire, please e-mail:
pss@census.gov, or write
directly to: Private School Survey (PSS), National Center for
Education Statistics, Potomac Center Plaza, 550 12th Street SW, Room
#4010, Washington, DC 20202.
Note that this a previous login page, as the
login for the 25-26 PSS hasn’t yet been programmed. An
identical page will be used for the 25-26 collection using the
following text:
| File Type | application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document |
| File Modified | 0000-00-00 |
| File Created | 0000-00-00 |
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