How much does private school cost in Cary?

Private school in Cary averages $11,500/year in 2026 — 7% below the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $8,100/year; independent and prep schools average $24,100/year. Cary has approximately 100 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24 + local school data.

What is private school tuition in Cary for 2026?

Cary private school tuition ranges from $6,500 to $19,300/year. The city average is $11,500/year ($958/month). Religious schools run lower at $8,100/year; top independent day schools can reach $19,300+.

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

Cary private school tuition averages $11,500/year, which is 7% below the national average ($12,350/year). Cary sits close to the national average, with a mix of religious and independent schools across a wide price range.

What are the most affordable private schools in Cary?

The most affordable private schools in Cary are typically Catholic and religious schools, which average $8,100/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 Cary 2026

Q: Can I afford private school in Cary?

A common rule is to keep tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At Cary's average of $11,500/year, a household income of $96,000+ 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 Cary average $11,500/year. 7% below national avg. Religious schools run $8,100/year; independent schools average $24,100/year.

City Average

$11,500

per year

Monthly Est.

$958

per month

Private Schools

100

in Cary

vs National

-$850

per year

Private School Tuition by Grade in Cary (2026)

Estimated from city average and national grade-level differentials

Elementary School (K–5)

Religious and parish schools bring the lower end down.

$9,800/yr

~$816/mo

Middle School (6–8)

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

$11,500/yr

~$958/mo

High School (9–12)

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

$13,800/yr

~$1,150/mo

Tuition by School Type in Cary

Average annual tuition, 2026 data

Religious Schools

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

$8,100/yr

+1% vs national ($8,000)

Independent Schools

Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.

$24,100/yr

-4% vs national ($25,000)

All Private Schools (Avg)

Blended average across all types.

$11,500/yr

-7% vs national ($12,350)

Tuition Range in Cary

Starting From

$6,500

Parish and religious schools

City Average

$11,500

Typical school

Top End

$19,300+

Elite prep schools

Most Cary private schools fall between $6,500 and $19,300/year. Contact each school directly for exact figures — tuition varies by grade and financial aid applied.

Private Schools in Cary: 2026 Tuition Data

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

School	Annual Tuition	Type	Grades
Cary Academy	$25,800	Independent	6–12
Thales Academy (Cary)	$7,200–$9,400	Independent	K–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.