Private School Cost in Orange County 2026
Private schools in Orange County average $20,800/year. 68% above national avg. Religious schools run $11,200/year; independent schools average $34,800/year.
City Average
$20,800
per year
Monthly Est.
$1,733
per month
Private Schools
380
in Orange County
vs National
+$8,450
per year
Private School Tuition by Grade in Orange County (2026)
Estimated from city average and national grade-level differentials
Elementary School (K–5)
Religious and parish schools bring the lower end down.
$17,000/yr
~$1,416/mo
Middle School (6–8)
Near the city average — most K–8 schools report blended rates.
$20,800/yr
~$1,733/mo
High School (9–12)
Prep school premium; college counseling and athletics raise the cost.
$25,500/yr
~$2,125/mo
Tuition by School Type in Orange County
Average annual tuition, 2026 data
Religious Schools
Catholic, Christian, Jewish, and other faith-based schools.
$11,200/yr
+40% vs national ($8,000)
Independent Schools
Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.
$34,800/yr
+39% vs national ($25,000)
All Private Schools (Avg)
Blended average across all types.
$20,800/yr
+68% vs national ($12,350)
Tuition Range in Orange County
Starting From
$7,500
Parish and religious schools
City Average
$20,800
Typical school
Top End
$46,000+
Elite prep schools
Most Orange County private schools fall between $7,500 and $46,000/year. Contact each school directly for exact figures — tuition varies by grade and financial aid applied.
Private Schools in Orange County: 2026 Tuition Data
Representative schools — tuition figures from school websites and NCES. Verify with each school before applying.
| School | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|
| Sage Hill School | $41,800 |
| Fairmont Preparatory Academy | $34,600–$37,200 |
| Calvary Chapel Academy | $10,400–$12,800 |
| JSerra Catholic High School | $22,400 |
| Santa Margarita Catholic High School | $20,800 |
| Mater Dei High School | $18,900 |
Tuition data sourced from school websites (2025–26 academic year). Financial aid can reduce the net cost substantially — ask each school about aid availability.
Can I Afford Private School in Orange County?
Enter your household income to see how Orange County's average tuition fits your budget.