NAICS 611110 Quarterly Industry Report
Elementary and Secondary Schools
Comprehensive industry research for valuation professionals, business owners, buyers, and lenders
NAICS Code: 611110Sector: Educational Services (61)Updated: Q1 2026
About This Report
This industry profile for Elementary and Secondary Schools (NAICS 611110) draws on data from the U.S. Census Bureau[8], Bureau of Labor Statistics[5], U.S. Department of Education[6], and SBA size standards database[7]. Published by Fair Market Value and updated quarterly, it provides valuation professionals, education analysts, and business appraisers with current market data. The editorial analysis reflects the independent assessment of FairMarketValue.com's research team, with all quantitative claims sourced to publicly verifiable databases.
Industry Definition & Overview
Elementary and Secondary Schools (NAICS 611110) encompasses establishments primarily engaged in furnishing academic courses and associated course work that comprise a basic preparatory education per the U.S. Census Bureau[4]. A basic preparatory education ordinarily culminates in the attainment of a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent credential. This classification covers public school districts, private day schools, parochial and religious-affiliated schools, Montessori programs, boarding schools, and charter school operators.
The private segment alone employs roughly 934,000 workers across thousands of establishments, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics[5]. Combined public and private employment in this classification exceeds 1.18 million jobs. State regulatory frameworks vary widely, with 38 states requiring licensing for private schools, 34 requiring registration, and 25 requiring formal approval per the U.S. Department of Education[6]. Accreditation remains voluntary in 35 states, though many private schools pursue regional or national accreditation to attract families and qualify for state voucher programs.
Per the SBA Table of Size Standards[7], the size standard is $20 million in average annual receipts. School choice legislation has expanded the addressable market for private operators in multiple states, with education savings accounts and voucher programs directing public funding toward private school tuition. For-profit chains such as Guidepost Montessori have scaled rapidly, while religious and independent schools continue to represent the majority of private enrollment. Teacher recruitment and retention remain persistent operational pressures across all segments of the industry.
What's Included in This Industry
- Kindergarten through twelfth grade academic instruction
- Private day school and independent school operations
- Parochial and religious-affiliated school programs
- Montessori method elementary and secondary education
- Charter school management and academic programming
- Boarding school residential and academic operations
- Special education and learning disability services
- Extracurricular activity and athletic program management
- Standardized testing preparation and administration
- After-school care and summer enrichment programs
NAICS Classification Hierarchy
| Level | Description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Sector | Educational Services | 61 |
| Subsector | Educational Services | 611 |
| Industry Group | Elementary and Secondary Schools | 6111 |
| NAICS Industry | Elementary and Secondary Schools | 61111 |
| National Industry | Elementary and Secondary Schools | 611110 |
Related NAICS Codes
| Code | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 611210 | Junior Colleges | Junior Colleges provide post-secondary education as the next academic tier above high school, serving many graduates of elementary and secondary schools who pursue two-year degrees and certifications |
| 611310 | Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools share academic mission continuity with K-12 schools, as student preparation quality at the secondary level directly affects higher education enrollment and outcomes |
| 611691 | Exam Preparation and Tutoring | Exam Preparation and Tutoring services supplement K-12 classroom instruction, with private tutoring companies serving students preparing for standardized tests and college admissions examinations |
| 611710 | Educational Support Services | Educational Support Services provide administrative, curriculum development, and testing support functions that private and public K-12 schools contract for operational and academic assistance |
| 624410 | Child Care Services | Child Day Care Services serve the pre-kindergarten age group and often operate feeder programs for elementary schools, with some facilities offering integrated preschool and kindergarten enrollment |
| 813110 | Religious Organizations | Religious Organizations operate parochial school systems that represent a large share of private K-12 enrollment, with churches, dioceses, and synagogues governing school operations and curriculum standards |
Geographic Concentration
Top states by share of national establishments.
| # | State | % Est. | Total Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 12.2% | 2,736 |
| 2 | New York | 7.6% | 1,697 |
| 3 | Florida | 7.4% | 1,662 |
| 4 | Texas | 6.8% | 1,522 |
| 5 | Pennsylvania | 4.8% | 1,065 |
| 6 | Illinois | 3.9% | 878 |
| 7 | Ohio | 3.6% | 815 |
| 8 | New Jersey | 3.5% | 782 |
| 9 | Georgia | 3.1% | 685 |
| 10 | North Carolina | 2.9% | 651 |
% Of Establishments
0%
12%
Source: County Business Patterns, U.S. Census Bureau[2]
SBA Lending Summary
672
Total SBA Loans
$586.7M
Total Loan Volume
$873K
Average Loan Size
14 yrs
Average Loan Term
9.77%
Average Interest Rate
11,440
Jobs Supported
Source: SBA 7(a) Program Data, U.S. Small Business Administration — FY 2025[3]
Key Insight: Per the SBA Table of Size Standards[7], Elementary and Secondary Schools (NAICS 611110) has a size standard of $20 million in average annual receipts for federal contracting purposes. SBA lending programs[9] support facility expansion, technology upgrades, and working capital for qualifying private school operators. Eligible businesses can access SBA 7(a) loans[10] for working capital, equipment, and acquisition financing, while 504 loans[11] support major fixed-asset purchases including real estate and heavy machinery.
Top SBA Lenders
| # | Lender | Loans | Volume | Avg Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Live Oak Banking Company | 40 | $65.1M | $1.6M |
| 2 | The Huntington National Bank | 40 | $51.1M | $1.3M |
| 3 | Oconee State Bank | 8 | $40.0M | $5.0M |
| 4 | Banc of California | 8 | $40.0M | $5.0M |
| 5 | Merchants Bank of Indiana | 8 | $33.2M | $4.2M |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this industry.
What is the NAICS code for private elementary and secondary schools?
NAICS 611110 covers all elementary and secondary schools, including private day schools, parochial schools, charter schools, boarding schools, and Montessori programs, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau[4].
How many people work in private K-12 education?
The private segment of NAICS 611110 employs roughly 934,000 workers per the Bureau of Labor Statistics[5], with combined public and private employment exceeding 1.18 million positions.
What is the SBA size standard for elementary and secondary schools?
The SBA size standard[7] is $20 million in average annual receipts, used to determine eligibility for federal small business programs and contracting preferences.
Do private schools require accreditation?
Accreditation is voluntary in 35 states per the U.S. Department of Education[6], though many private schools pursue regional or national accreditation to qualify for voucher programs and to signal academic quality to prospective families.
What drives enrollment growth in private K-12 schools?
School choice legislation, including education savings accounts and voucher programs, has expanded the private school market in multiple states by directing public funding toward private school tuition.
How are charter schools classified under NAICS?
Charter schools fall under NAICS 611110 alongside traditional public and private schools, as they provide the same basic preparatory education leading to a high school diploma or equivalent credential.
What are the main cost drivers for private school operators?
Teacher compensation and benefits represent the largest expense, typically consuming 60 to 70 percent of operating budgets, followed by facility costs, instructional materials, and administrative overhead.
How does state regulation vary for private schools?
State oversight varies widely, with 38 states requiring licensing, 34 requiring registration, and 25 requiring formal approval per the U.S. Department of Education[6]. Some states like Florida impose minimal regulatory burdens, while Connecticut requires accreditation through approved agencies.
Sources & References
Government datasets and editorial sources used in this report.
- [1]U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages bls.gov
- [2]U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns census.gov
- [3]U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA 7(a) Loan Program Data data.sba.gov
- [4]U.S. Census Bureau census.gov
- [5]Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
- [6]U.S. Department of Education ed.gov
- [7]SBA Table of Size Standards sba.gov
- [8]U.S. Census Bureau data.census.gov
- [9]SBA lending programs sba.gov
- [10]SBA 7(a) loans sba.gov
- [11]504 loans sba.gov
Disclaimer
This publication has been prepared by Fair Market Value (“Fair Market Value”) for informational purposes only. It is provided on an “as-is” and “as available” basis. Fair Market Value makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, completeness, or accuracy of the data or information contained herein. This publication is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, professional financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Users should consult with qualified professionals before making any financial or business decisions based on the information presented.
To the extent permitted by law, Fair Market Value disclaims all liability for loss or damage, direct and indirect, suffered or incurred by any person resulting from the use of, or reliance upon, the data in this publication.
Copyright © 2026 Fair Market Value. All rights reserved. All data, information, articles, graphs, and content contained in this publication are copyrighted works and Fair Market Value hereby reserves all rights. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced, republished, uploaded to a third party, or distributed without the prior written permission of Fair Market Value.