As China aims to become an educational powerhouse, private education is entering a pivotal phase of high-quality development. Recognized as an integral component of socialist education, private institutions have achieved significant scale and experience over the years. However, the ongoing education reforms, shifts in social productivity, and changes in employment trends and demographics present both new opportunities and challenges for private education ’s advancement. To align with the national strategy of strengthening the country through education, private education must focus on China’s unique path to modernization. This involves maintaining goal orientation, addressing practical issues, prioritizing high-quality development, and adhering to principles of empirical truth, reform, innovation, and connotative growth. By tackling systemic bottlenecks and refining organizational mechanisms, private education can enhance its contributions to building a strong educational foundation for the nation.