How much does private school cost in Memphis?

Private school in Memphis averages $10,800/year in 2026 — 13% below the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $7,200/year; independent and prep schools average $20,500/year. Memphis has approximately 140 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24 + local school data.

What is private school tuition in Memphis for 2026?

Memphis private school tuition ranges from $4,200 to $26,000/year. The city average is $10,800/year ($900/month). Religious schools run lower at $7,200/year; top independent day schools can reach $26,000+.

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

Memphis private school tuition averages $10,800/year, which is 13% below the national average ($12,350/year). Memphis 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 Memphis?

The most affordable private schools in Memphis are typically Catholic and religious schools, which average $7,200/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 Memphis 2026

Q: Can I afford private school in Memphis?

A common rule is to keep tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At Memphis's average of $10,800/year, a household income of $90,000+ 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 Memphis average $10,800/year. 13% below national avg. Religious schools run $7,200/year; independent schools average $20,500/year.

City Average

$10,800

per year

Monthly Est.

$900

per month

Private Schools

140

in Memphis

vs National

-$1,550

per year

Private School Tuition by Grade in Memphis (2026)

Estimated from city average and national grade-level differentials

Elementary School (K–5)

Religious and parish schools bring the lower end down.

$8,800/yr

~$733/mo

Middle School (6–8)

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

$10,800/yr

~$900/mo

High School (9–12)

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

$13,400/yr

~$1,116/mo

Tuition by School Type in Memphis

Average annual tuition, 2026 data

Religious Schools

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

$7,200/yr

-10% vs national ($8,000)

Independent Schools

Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.

$20,500/yr

-18% vs national ($25,000)

All Private Schools (Avg)

Blended average across all types.

$10,800/yr

-13% vs national ($12,350)

Tuition Range in Memphis

Starting From

$4,200

Parish and religious schools

City Average

$10,800

Typical school

Top End

$26,000+

Elite prep schools

Most Memphis private schools fall between $4,200 and $26,000/year. Contact each school directly for exact figures — tuition varies by grade and financial aid applied.

Private Schools in Memphis: 2026 Tuition Data

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

School	Annual Tuition	Type	Grades
Hutchison School	$20,800–$22,400	Independent	PK–12
Memphis University School	$18,400	Independent	7–12
Christian Brothers High School (Memphis)	$13,800	Catholic	9–12
St. Agnes Academy (Memphis)	$12,200	Catholic	9–12
St. Mary's Episcopal School	$19,200–$21,200	Independent	PK–12
Lausanne Collegiate School	$20,400–$22,800	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.