How much does private school cost in Philadelphia?

Private school in Philadelphia averages $20,200/year in 2026 — 64% above the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $11,400/year; independent and prep schools average $36,000/year. Philadelphia has approximately 430 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24 + local school data.

What is private school tuition in Philadelphia for 2026?

Philadelphia private school tuition ranges from $7,200 to $48,000/year. The city average is $20,200/year ($1,683/month). Religious schools run lower at $11,400/year; top independent day schools can reach $48,000+.

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

Philadelphia private school tuition averages $20,200/year, which is 64% above the national average ($12,350/year). Philadelphia is one of the most expensive cities for private school in the US, driven by high concentrations of elite independent and boarding-affiliated day schools.

What are the most affordable private schools in Philadelphia?

The most affordable private schools in Philadelphia are typically Catholic and religious schools, which average $11,400/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 Philadelphia 2026

Q: Can I afford private school in Philadelphia?

A common rule is to keep tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At Philadelphia's average of $20,200/year, a household income of $168,000+ 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 Philadelphia average $20,200/year. 64% above national avg. Religious schools run $11,400/year; independent schools average $36,000/year.

City Average

$20,200

per year

Monthly Est.

$1,683

per month

Private Schools

430

in Philadelphia

vs National

+$7,850

per year

Private School Tuition by Grade in Philadelphia (2026)

Estimated from city average and national grade-level differentials

Elementary School (K–5)

Religious and parish schools bring the lower end down.

$16,500/yr

~$1,375/mo

Middle School (6–8)

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

$20,200/yr

~$1,683/mo

High School (9–12)

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

$25,000/yr

~$2,083/mo

Tuition by School Type in Philadelphia

Average annual tuition, 2026 data

Religious Schools

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

$11,400/yr

+43% vs national ($8,000)

Independent Schools

Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.

$36,000/yr

+44% vs national ($25,000)

All Private Schools (Avg)

Blended average across all types.

$20,200/yr

+64% vs national ($12,350)

Tuition Range in Philadelphia

Starting From

$7,200

Parish and religious schools

City Average

$20,200

Typical school

Top End

$48,000+

Elite prep schools

Most Philadelphia private schools fall between $7,200 and $48,000/year. Contact each school directly for exact figures — tuition varies by grade and financial aid applied.

Private Schools in Philadelphia: 2026 Tuition Data

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

School	Annual Tuition	Type	Grades
Episcopal Academy	$40,800–$43,200	Independent	PK–12
The Haverford School	$41,200	Independent	PK–12
Germantown Friends School	$38,600	Independent (Quaker)	K–12
La Salle College High School	$19,200	Catholic	9–12
Archbishop Ryan High School	$15,800	Catholic	9–12
Roman Catholic High School	$14,200	Catholic	9–12

Tuition data sourced from school websites (2025–26 academic year). Financial aid can reduce the net cost substantially — ask each school about aid availability.