How much does private school cost in Cambridge?

Private school in Cambridge averages $32,000/year in 2026 — 159% above the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $17,300/year; independent and prep schools average $65,000/year. Cambridge has approximately 85 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24 + local school data.

What is private school tuition in Cambridge for 2026?

Cambridge private school tuition ranges from $17,800 to $54,700/year. The city average is $32,000/year ($2,667/month). Religious schools run lower at $17,300/year; top independent day schools can reach $54,700+.

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

Cambridge private school tuition averages $32,000/year, which is 159% above the national average ($12,350/year). Cambridge is one of the most expensive cities for private school in the US, driven by high concentrations of elite independent and boarding-affiliated day schools.

What are the most affordable private schools in Cambridge?

The most affordable private schools in Cambridge are typically Catholic and religious schools, which average $17,300/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 Cambridge 2026

Q: Can I afford private school in Cambridge?

A common rule is to keep tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At Cambridge's average of $32,000/year, a household income of $267,000+ 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 Cambridge average $32,000/year. 159% above national avg. Religious schools run $17,300/year; independent schools average $65,000/year.

City Average

$32,000

per year

Monthly Est.

$2,667

per month

Private Schools

in Cambridge

vs National

+$19,650

per year

Private School Tuition by Grade in Cambridge (2026)

Estimated from city average and national grade-level differentials

Elementary School (K–5)

Religious and parish schools bring the lower end down.

$27,200/yr

~$2,266/mo

Middle School (6–8)

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

$32,000/yr

~$2,666/mo

High School (9–12)

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

$38,400/yr

~$3,200/mo

Tuition by School Type in Cambridge

Average annual tuition, 2026 data

Religious Schools

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

$17,300/yr

+116% vs national ($8,000)

Independent Schools

Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.

$65,000/yr

+160% vs national ($25,000)

All Private Schools (Avg)

Blended average across all types.

$32,000/yr

+159% vs national ($12,350)

Tuition Range in Cambridge

Starting From

$17,800

Parish and religious schools

City Average

$32,000

Typical school

Top End

$54,700+

Elite prep schools

Most Cambridge private schools fall between $17,800 and $54,700/year. Contact each school directly for exact figures — tuition varies by grade and financial aid applied.

Private Schools in Cambridge: 2026 Tuition Data

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

School	Annual Tuition	Type	Grades
Cambridge School of Weston	$59,400	Independent	9–12
Buckingham Browne & Nichols School	$58,800	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.