How much does private school cost in Modesto?

Private school in Modesto averages $14,400/year in 2026 — 17% above the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $9,400/year; independent and prep schools average $28,100/year. Modesto has approximately 85 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24 + local school data.

What is private school tuition in Modesto for 2026?

Modesto private school tuition ranges from $7,800 to $22,800/year. The city average is $14,400/year ($1,200/month). Religious schools run lower at $9,400/year; top independent day schools can reach $22,800+.

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

Modesto private school tuition averages $14,400/year, which is 17% above the national average ($12,350/year). Modesto 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 Modesto?

The most affordable private schools in Modesto are typically Catholic and religious schools, which average $9,400/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 Modesto 2026

Q: Can I afford private school in Modesto?

A common rule is to keep tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At Modesto's average of $14,400/year, a household income of $120,000+ 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 Modesto average $14,400/year. 17% above national avg. Religious schools run $9,400/year; independent schools average $28,100/year.

City Average

$14,400

per year

Monthly Est.

$1,200

per month

Private Schools

in Modesto

vs National

+$2,050

per year

Private School Tuition by Grade in Modesto (2026)

Estimated from city average and national grade-level differentials

Elementary School (K–5)

Religious and parish schools bring the lower end down.

$12,200/yr

~$1,016/mo

Middle School (6–8)

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

$14,400/yr

~$1,200/mo

High School (9–12)

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

$17,300/yr

~$1,441/mo

Tuition by School Type in Modesto

Average annual tuition, 2026 data

Religious Schools

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

$9,400/yr

+18% vs national ($8,000)

Independent Schools

Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.

$28,100/yr

+12% vs national ($25,000)

All Private Schools (Avg)

Blended average across all types.

$14,400/yr

+17% vs national ($12,350)

Tuition Range in Modesto

Starting From

$7,800

Parish and religious schools

City Average

$14,400

Typical school

Top End

$22,800+

Elite prep schools

Most Modesto private schools fall between $7,800 and $22,800/year. Contact each school directly for exact figures — tuition varies by grade and financial aid applied.

Private Schools in Modesto: 2026 Tuition Data

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

School	Annual Tuition	Type	Grades
Central Catholic High School (Modesto)	$11,200	Catholic	9–12
Modesto Christian School	$9,200–$11,400	Christian	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.