How much does private school cost in Boulder?

Private school in Boulder averages $15,200/year in 2026 — 23% above the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $9,900/year; independent and prep schools average $29,900/year. Boulder has approximately 105 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24 + local school data.

What is private school tuition in Boulder for 2026?

Boulder private school tuition ranges from $8,800 to $24,200/year. The city average is $15,200/year ($1,267/month). Religious schools run lower at $9,900/year; top independent day schools can reach $24,200+.

How does Boulder private school cost compare to the national average?

Boulder private school tuition averages $15,200/year, which is 23% above the national average ($12,350/year). Boulder runs above the national average — higher local wages and a dense independent school market push tuition up.

What are the most affordable private schools in Boulder?

The most affordable private schools in Boulder are typically Catholic and religious schools, which average $9,900/year. Parish-subsidized Catholic schools often run $6,000–$12,000/year — the lowest-cost private option in most metro areas. Families with financial need can apply for aid; about 27% of private school students nationally receive need-based grants averaging 48% of tuition.

Private School Cost in Boulder 2026

Q: Can I afford private school in Boulder?

A common rule is to keep tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At Boulder's average of $15,200/year, a household income of $127,000+ is generally needed without financial strain. Need-based aid and merit scholarships are available at most schools — always ask the admissions office.

Private schools in Boulder average $15,200/year. 23% above national avg. Religious schools run $9,900/year; independent schools average $29,900/year.

City Average

$15,200

per year

Monthly Est.

$1,267

per month

Private Schools

105

in Boulder

vs National

+$2,850

per year

Private School Tuition by Grade in Boulder (2026)

Estimated from city average and national grade-level differentials

Elementary School (K–5)

Religious and parish schools bring the lower end down.

$12,900/yr

~$1,075/mo

Middle School (6–8)

Near the city average — most K–8 schools report blended rates.

$15,200/yr

~$1,266/mo

High School (9–12)

Prep school premium; college counseling and athletics raise the cost.

$18,200/yr

~$1,516/mo

Tuition by School Type in Boulder

Average annual tuition, 2026 data

Religious Schools

Catholic, Christian, Jewish, and other faith-based schools.

$9,900/yr

+24% vs national ($8,000)

Independent Schools

Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.

$29,900/yr

+20% vs national ($25,000)

All Private Schools (Avg)

Blended average across all types.

$15,200/yr

+23% vs national ($12,350)

Tuition Range in Boulder

Starting From

$8,800

Parish and religious schools

City Average

$15,200

Typical school

Top End

$24,200+

Elite prep schools

Most Boulder private schools fall between $8,800 and $24,200/year. Contact each school directly for exact figures — tuition varies by grade and financial aid applied.

Private Schools in Boulder: 2026 Tuition Data

Representative schools — tuition figures from school websites and NCES. Verify with each school before applying.

School	Annual Tuition	Type	Grades
Naropa University Lab School	$18,400	Independent	K–8
Dawson School	$26,800	Independent	PK–12

Tuition data sourced from school websites (2025–26 academic year). Financial aid can reduce the net cost substantially — ask each school about aid availability.