History 

Esteemed educational and social critic Porter Edward Sargent established The Handbook of Private Schools in 1914, with the aim "to present a comprehensive and composite view of the private school situation as it is today. No attempt has been made on completeness. The effort on the contrary has been to include only the best, drawing the line somewhat above the average." 

Today, The Porter Sargent Handbook Series continues its founder's mission: to serve parents, educators and others concerned with the independent and critical evaluation of primary and secondary educational options, leading to a suitable choice for each student.

Today, only 1 in 17 private schools nationwide meet the editors’ strict requirements for admission to the Handbook: schools typically board students or enroll students from a wide area, be accredited by one or more of the recognized regional accrediting agencies, have a varied and deep curriculum, and place graduates at competitive institutions. 

Admission to the Handbook is at the sole discretion of the editors. Although schools may purchase an Illustrated Announcement to supplement their Editorial Listing, it is not required, and in this the Handbook remains unique among directories as the reference of record. 

The Guide to Summer Camps and Summer Schools was originally the summer camps section of the Handbook. It became its own book in 1924, providing the definitive reference for residential summer programs in the United States. Over the years, the Guide has expanded to include English-language summer programs worldwide, extensively indexed by categories including academic programs, special-needs programs, music and arts programs, sports programs, travel programs, and much more.

F. Porter Sargent took over upon his father’s death in 1955, introducing The Directory for Exceptional Children. It continues to be a unique single-volume resource covering the complete spectrum of physical, mental, and emotional special needs.

Schools Abroad of Interest to Americans was introduced in 1959, documenting primary, secondary, and postgraduate non public schools outside the 50 US states that provide American or international curriculula for English-language students.

Jane Culver Sargent was the third publisher of the Handbook Series, stewarding the company from 1975 to 1999.

Today, the Porter Sargent Handbook Series is part of Alloy Education, the leading provider of college data (via Wintergreen Orchard House) and educational marketing.