Enrollment Reporting

The Washington State Board of Education (SBE) annually collects private school enrollment data. This data helps the state better understand the makeup of Washington’s private school community and may be used in the distribution of federal funds.

Please Note: While private schools are not legally required to complete enrollment reporting, completing this process does meets the legal requirement for attendance reporting under RCW 28A.195.060. 

For the 2025-26 school year, enrollment count should reflect the number of students enrolled on October 1, 2025. The reporting form will be available October 1 - November 1. Heads of Schools for approved private schools will receive an email with more information later this year.

What is Enrollment Reporting? 

Enrollment reporting provides a valuable snapshot of private school demographics and trends across Washington State. This data, self-reported annually by private schools, is instrumental in creating a comprehensive understanding of the private school population and its role within the broader educational landscape. 

Why Does this Data Matter?

• Accurate Representation: Enrollment data helps paint a detailed picture of Washington’s diverse private school population, offering insights that challenge stereotypes and address misinformation. 
• Statewide Comparisons: The data enables meaningful comparisons with public school enrollment, revealing trends and supporting efforts to meet community needs. 

• Regulatory Compliance: Schools fulfill statutory attendance reporting requirements (RCW 28A.195.060) through the enrollment reporting process, ensuring adherence to state regulations. 

What Data is Collected? 

Private schools report the following key data elements: 

• Total enrollment of full-time, in-person K-12 students. 

• Demographic information, including race/ethnicity categories, for K-12 students. 

• Enrollment of students in Early Learning/Pre-K programs, if applicable. 

• Enrollment of full-time, Washington state-resident students in online programs, if applicable. 

Demographic Information and Enrollment Trends 

For more information concerning federally mandated demographic categories, please see Definitions for New Race and Ethnicity Categories.  Enrollment data from previous years is available on this webpage.

For more detailed demographic data, please visit the main Private Schools webpage, where you can find the latest research brief on enrollment trends from 2018–2019 to 2024–2025.