How much does private school cost in Des Moines?

Private school in Des Moines averages $6,900/year in 2026 — 44% below the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $4,800/year; independent and prep schools average $14,400/year. Des Moines has approximately 120 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24 + local school data.

What is private school tuition in Des Moines for 2026?

Des Moines private school tuition ranges from $3,600 to $11,200/year. The city average is $6,900/year ($575/month). Religious schools run lower at $4,800/year; top independent day schools can reach $11,200+.

How does Des Moines private school cost compare to the national average?

Des Moines private school tuition averages $6,900/year, which is 44% below the national average ($12,350/year). Des Moines is more affordable than the national average for private school, with a higher share of parish-subsidized religious schools.

What are the most affordable private schools in Des Moines?

The most affordable private schools in Des Moines are typically Catholic and religious schools, which average $4,800/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 Des Moines 2026

Q: Can I afford private school in Des Moines?

A common rule is to keep tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At Des Moines's average of $6,900/year, a household income of $58,000+ 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 Des Moines average $6,900/year. 44% below national avg. Religious schools run $4,800/year; independent schools average $14,400/year.

City Average

$6,900

per year

Monthly Est.

$575

per month

Private Schools

120

in Des Moines

vs National

-$5,450

per year

Private School Tuition by Grade in Des Moines (2026)

Estimated from city average and national grade-level differentials

Elementary School (K–5)

Religious and parish schools bring the lower end down.

$5,900/yr

~$491/mo

Middle School (6–8)

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

$6,900/yr

~$575/mo

High School (9–12)

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

$8,300/yr

~$691/mo

Tuition by School Type in Des Moines

Average annual tuition, 2026 data

Religious Schools

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

$4,800/yr

-40% vs national ($8,000)

Independent Schools

Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.

$14,400/yr

-42% vs national ($25,000)

All Private Schools (Avg)

Blended average across all types.

$6,900/yr

-44% vs national ($12,350)

Tuition Range in Des Moines

Starting From

$3,600

Parish and religious schools

City Average

$6,900

Typical school

Top End

$11,200+

Elite prep schools

Most Des Moines private schools fall between $3,600 and $11,200/year. Contact each school directly for exact figures — tuition varies by grade and financial aid applied.

Private Schools in Des Moines: 2026 Tuition Data

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

School	Annual Tuition	Type	Grades
Dowling Catholic High School	$10,400	Catholic	9–12
Des Moines Christian School	$9,600–$12,000	Christian	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.