How much does private school cost in Nashville?

Private school in Nashville averages $14,200/year in 2026 — 15% above the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $8,800/year; independent and prep schools average $26,500/year. Nashville has approximately 190 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24 + local school data.

What is private school tuition in Nashville for 2026?

Nashville private school tuition ranges from $5,500 to $36,000/year. The city average is $14,200/year ($1,183/month). Religious schools run lower at $8,800/year; top independent day schools can reach $36,000+.

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

Nashville private school tuition averages $14,200/year, which is 15% above the national average ($12,350/year). Nashville 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 Nashville?

The most affordable private schools in Nashville are typically Catholic and religious schools, which average $8,800/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 Nashville 2026

Q: Can I afford private school in Nashville?

A common rule is to keep tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At Nashville's average of $14,200/year, a household income of $118,000+ 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 Nashville average $14,200/year. 15% above national avg. Religious schools run $8,800/year; independent schools average $26,500/year.

City Average

$14,200

per year

Monthly Est.

$1,183

per month

Private Schools

190

in Nashville

vs National

+$1,850

per year

Private School Tuition by Grade in Nashville (2026)

Estimated from city average and national grade-level differentials

Elementary School (K–5)

Religious and parish schools bring the lower end down.

$11,600/yr

~$966/mo

Middle School (6–8)

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

$14,200/yr

~$1,183/mo

High School (9–12)

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

$17,500/yr

~$1,458/mo

Tuition by School Type in Nashville

Average annual tuition, 2026 data

Religious Schools

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

$8,800/yr

+10% vs national ($8,000)

Independent Schools

Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.

$26,500/yr

+6% vs national ($25,000)

All Private Schools (Avg)

Blended average across all types.

$14,200/yr

+15% vs national ($12,350)

Tuition Range in Nashville

Starting From

$5,500

Parish and religious schools

City Average

$14,200

Typical school

Top End

$36,000+

Elite prep schools

Most Nashville private schools fall between $5,500 and $36,000/year. Contact each school directly for exact figures — tuition varies by grade and financial aid applied.

Private Schools in Nashville: 2026 Tuition Data

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

School	Annual Tuition	Type	Grades
Montgomery Bell Academy	$29,400	Independent	7–12
Harpeth Hall School	$28,800	Independent	5–12
University School of Nashville	$26,200	Independent	K–12
Father Ryan High School	$16,800	Catholic	9–12
Christ Presbyterian Academy	$18,200–$19,800	Christian	PK–12
Ensworth School	$28,400–$30,200	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.