How much does private school cost in Portland?

Private school in Portland averages $18,200/year in 2026 — 47% above the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $10,400/year; independent and prep schools average $31,500/year. Portland has approximately 160 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24 + local school data.

What is private school tuition in Portland for 2026?

Portland private school tuition ranges from $7,000 to $42,000/year. The city average is $18,200/year ($1,517/month). Religious schools run lower at $10,400/year; top independent day schools can reach $42,000+.

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

Portland private school tuition averages $18,200/year, which is 47% above the national average ($12,350/year). Portland 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 Portland?

The most affordable private schools in Portland are typically Catholic and religious schools, which average $10,400/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 Portland 2026

Q: Can I afford private school in Portland?

A common rule is to keep tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At Portland's average of $18,200/year, a household income of $152,000+ 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 Portland average $18,200/year. 47% above national avg. Religious schools run $10,400/year; independent schools average $31,500/year.

City Average

$18,200

per year

Monthly Est.

$1,517

per month

Private Schools

160

in Portland

vs National

+$5,850

per year

Private School Tuition by Grade in Portland (2026)

Estimated from city average and national grade-level differentials

Elementary School (K–5)

Religious and parish schools bring the lower end down.

$14,800/yr

~$1,233/mo

Middle School (6–8)

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

$18,200/yr

~$1,516/mo

High School (9–12)

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

$22,500/yr

~$1,875/mo

Tuition by School Type in Portland

Average annual tuition, 2026 data

Religious Schools

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

$10,400/yr

+30% vs national ($8,000)

Independent Schools

Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.

$31,500/yr

+26% vs national ($25,000)

All Private Schools (Avg)

Blended average across all types.

$18,200/yr

+47% vs national ($12,350)

Tuition Range in Portland

Starting From

$7,000

Parish and religious schools

City Average

$18,200

Typical school

Top End

$42,000+

Elite prep schools

Most Portland private schools fall between $7,000 and $42,000/year. Contact each school directly for exact figures — tuition varies by grade and financial aid applied.

Private Schools in Portland: 2026 Tuition Data

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

School	Annual Tuition	Type	Grades
Catlin Gabel School	$38,400–$41,200	Independent	PK–12
Oregon Episcopal School	$34,800	Independent	PK–12
Jesuit High School (Portland)	$19,200	Catholic	9–12
Central Catholic High School	$14,800	Catholic	9–12
St. Mary's Academy Portland	$16,400	Catholic	9–12
Riverdale Grade School	$21,800–$23,400	Independent	PK–8

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