A collection of papers that looks at all aspects of the educational experiences of black children in private and parochial schools and explores the implications of private schooling for educational policy and future research. The editors' introduction provides an overview of the educational situation of black children, focusing on the interface between the children, their families, and academic achievement in their schools. The papers are presented in five parts: (1) "Independent Schools with Black Children"; (2) "Catholic Schools and Black Children"; (3) "Independent Schools for Black Children"; (4) " Parental Perceptions and Goals: Independent and Parochial Schools"; and (5) "Educational Policy Issues: Blacks and Private Schools." The papers in each part are introduced by the editors and summarized and discussed by an authority in the field. The volume concludes with an epilogue, followed by a bibliographical essay, an index, and brief biographies of the 28 contributors. (DM)