But tuition does not cover all expenses, and unlike religious schools, the independents are not subsidized by church organizations, so fund-raising is important for schools like Community and Canterbury in Fort Myers. "We make a point of maintaining independence from public or parochial support because we want to avoid the quid pro quos that go along with the financial support you might get from government or religious organizations," such as curriculum, textbook choices and teacher qualifications, Ventre says.

"A school like Canterbury wouldn't take vouchers, for example," says Canterbury head Mason Goss. "It's because you are then bound by certain state or federal guidelines."

Tuition covers about 85 percent of Community's operational costs and 75 to 80 percent of Canterbury's expenses; the schools must raise the balance. Separate capital campaigns pay for new facilities. In addition, private schools often provide scholarships--Community School will give $900,000 in financial aid this year--which come from philanthropy and fund-raising events.

But revenue sources for independent schools are scarcer than for public education, especially for young schools that lack extensive networks of alumni and supporters. Unlike public education foundations, independent schools receive little funding from businesses unless they are associated with individual donors. "The stereotype of independent schools does not feed the marketing image that many businesses need," Ventre says. "Except for a few foundations, it's essentially alumni, parents and friends of the school."