What's the difference between a 'private' school and an 'independent' school?

Question: What's the difference between a 'private' school and an 'independent' school?

The terms 'private school' and 'independent school' seem to be used as though they mean the same thing. Are they really the same thing? Let's find out.

Answer: They are practically speaking the same thing because both private and independent schools are non-public schools. In other words they are schools which are funded by their own resources, not by tax dollars.

The subtle distinction between a private and an independent school has to do with the legal structure of each. An independent school has a truly independent board of governors or trustees. A private school can theoretically be part of another entity such as a for profit corporation or a not for profit organization such as a church or synagogue.

The State of Utah Office of Education offers a typical definition of a private school:
"A school that is controlled by an individual or agency other than a governmental entity, which is usually supported primarily by other than public funds, and the operation of whose program rests with someone other than publicly elected or appointed officials."

McGraw-Hill's Higher Education site defines an independent school as "nonpublic school unaffiliated with any church or other agency."