Buying or Selling a Private School? Here’s How to Do It Right in Today’s Market

Running a school isn’t just a job—it’s your mission, your passion, and your legacy. But maybe you’ve reached a crossroads. You’re ready to pass the torch… or take one up. The idea of buying and selling private schools might feel exciting. It might also feel a little overwhelming.

Let’s be real—it’s not like buying a coffee shop or selling a tech startup. There are students, parents, teachers, and reputations involved. And right now, in today’s market? It’s even more nuanced.

That’s where we come in.

We’re JAG Consulting Services—your partner in this journey. Our decades of experience in school creation, management, and operations help you avoid costly mistakes and land the deal that’s right for you.

Oh—and don’t miss our popular School Support service if you want hands-on help managing your current school while planning your next move.

Let’s dive in.

The Market’s Hot—But You’ve Got to Be Smart

Let’s start with this: there’s demand.

More parents want specialized schools—Montessori, arts-based, online academies, micro-schools. Investors are seeing value in education. Retiring school owners are looking for qualified buyers. There are opportunities on both sides.

But here’s the catch…

Buying and selling private schools isn’t like flipping real estate or buying a franchise. You’re not just moving assets; you’re inheriting (or handing off) a culture, a legacy, a living system.

With changing regulations, rising costs, and shifting parent expectations, you need to be strategic, not just hopeful.

What Sellers Are Really Worried About

If you’re thinking about selling your school, here’s what’s probably on your mind:

• “Will my school be valued fairly?”
• “Can I trust a buyer to maintain the quality and mission?”
• “How do I protect my staff and reputation?”
• “What do I need to do to even get started?”

These are valid concerns. That’s why we help you with everything from school valuation, licensing, document prep, and transition planning.

You don’t want to “just sell.” You want to sell with peace of mind.

That’s what our private school brokerage services are built for.

If You’re Buying, You Need More Than a Price Tag

Buying a private school is an exciting move—especially if you’ve always wanted to lead or grow an educational community. But here’s what many first-time buyers don’t consider:

• Are the financials clean?
• Does the school have proper accreditation?
• Is the staff staying or leaving?
• What condition is the building in?
• Will the enrollment numbers hold?

Too many buyers rush in without due diligence and end up stuck with hidden debt or declining student numbers.

That’s why our clients rely on our online school buying services because no one wants surprises when investing in education.

Here’s Where JAG Consulting Steps In

At JAG, we’ve been in the trenches. We’ve built schools from the ground up. We’ve turned around struggling programs. We’ve helped owners gracefully exit and buyers find the right fit.

Here’s what we do for clients on both sides:

For Sellers:

• Accurate school valuations
• Confidential marketing to vetted buyers
• Deal structure guidance
• Transition planning
• Continued support (if needed post-sale)

For Buyers:

• School vetting and background checks
• Licensing and legal help
• Program evaluation
• Growth strategy support
• Custom onboarding after purchase

We’re not just university sales consultants—we’re school people. We understand the real stuff that affects outcomes: culture, leadership, and community trust.

And that’s what makes us different from firms that just push paper.

Don’t Go It Alone—Our School Sales Service Has Your Back

Whether you’re buying or selling, the day-to-day school operations still need attention. Our School Sales service gives you the support you need during the transition. We handle all the details—connecting you with qualified buyers, evaluating schools, and managing the entire sales process—so you can focus on what matters most.

 

Think of it as having a trusted co-pilot while you’re adjusting the course.
Check it out here, and let us guide you through the process with ease.

 

What Today’s Buyers Are Looking For (Hint: It’s Not Just Test Scores)

We get asked all the time: “What makes a school valuable to a buyer?”

Here’s what buyers care about most right now:

• Strong enrollment numbers
• Positive parent and staff reviews
• Clean and compliant licensing
• Potential for expansion (more grades, online learning, new locations)
• Consistent leadership and staff retention

If your school has these, your value goes way up.

And if it doesn’t? Don’t worry—we’ll help you get there before listing. That’s the edge our private school brokerage services give sellers.

Why Buying and Selling Private Schools Feels Personal Because It Is

Let’s be honest—schools are emotional spaces. People pour their hearts into them. Legacies are built in classrooms, playgrounds, and hallways.

So yes, buying and selling private schools is a business move—but it’s also deeply human.

That’s why we keep things transparent, personal, and grounded in relationships. We’re not here to push anyone into a quick sale. We’re here to help you make the right one.

Need Help Starting Your Search or Sale? Let’s Talk.

This isn’t something you need to figure out on your own.

If you’re looking for help with buying and selling private schools, we’d love to guide you. Whether you need a full valuation, help finding buyers, or want to assess a school you’re interested in purchasing, we’ve got you.

JAG Consulting Services is your go-to for:

• Private school brokerage services
• Trusted university sales consultants
• Strategic, vetted online school buying services

We bring experience, clarity, and heart to every school transaction we manage.

Let’s Build What’s Next—Together

You’ve got a vision. We’ve got the tools, the connections, and the know-how to make it happen.

Let’s work together to create your next chapter—whether that means buying your dream school or selling the one you’ve built with love.

Ready to get started?

Schedule a free consultation, and let’s make a plan that works for you.