This study examined the time-dependent effects of changes in private education on the trajectories of academic achievement among early adolescents. Five-wave data was employed from the KYPS; the participants being 2844 (1524 boys, 1320 girls). All were 4th graders in 2004 and became 8th graders in 2008. Latent growth curve model indicated that academic achievement significantly decreased over the five time points, but there were significant individual differences as well. Participants who reported higher initial levels of academic achievement tended to decrease in academic achievement more slowly over time compared to participants who reported lower levels of initial academic achievement. The effects of private education on academic achievement were at their most powerful when participants were in the 4th grade. Private educational experiences among 6th graders had relatively less influence upon the academic achievement of 7th graders.