How much does private school cost in Richmond?

Private school in Richmond averages $14,500/year in 2026 — 17% above the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $9,200/year; independent and prep schools average $27,000/year. Richmond has approximately 140 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24 + local school data.

What is private school tuition in Richmond for 2026?

Richmond private school tuition ranges from $5,800 to $36,000/year. The city average is $14,500/year ($1,208/month). Religious schools run lower at $9,200/year; top independent day schools can reach $36,000+.

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

Richmond private school tuition averages $14,500/year, which is 17% above the national average ($12,350/year). Richmond 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 Richmond?

The most affordable private schools in Richmond are typically Catholic and religious schools, which average $9,200/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 Richmond 2026

Q: Can I afford private school in Richmond?

A common rule is to keep tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At Richmond's average of $14,500/year, a household income of $121,000+ 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 Richmond average $14,500/year. 17% above national avg. Religious schools run $9,200/year; independent schools average $27,000/year.

City Average

$14,500

per year

Monthly Est.

$1,208

per month

Private Schools

140

in Richmond

vs National

+$2,150

per year

Private School Tuition by Grade in Richmond (2026)

Estimated from city average and national grade-level differentials

Elementary School (K–5)

Religious and parish schools bring the lower end down.

$11,800/yr

~$983/mo

Middle School (6–8)

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

$14,500/yr

~$1,208/mo

High School (9–12)

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

$18,000/yr

~$1,500/mo

Tuition by School Type in Richmond

Average annual tuition, 2026 data

Religious Schools

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

$9,200/yr

+15% vs national ($8,000)

Independent Schools

Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.

$27,000/yr

+8% vs national ($25,000)

All Private Schools (Avg)

Blended average across all types.

$14,500/yr

+17% vs national ($12,350)

Tuition Range in Richmond

Starting From

$5,800

Parish and religious schools

City Average

$14,500

Typical school

Top End

$36,000+

Elite prep schools

Most Richmond private schools fall between $5,800 and $36,000/year. Contact each school directly for exact figures — tuition varies by grade and financial aid applied.

Private Schools in Richmond: 2026 Tuition Data

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

School	Annual Tuition	Type	Grades
St. Catherine's School (Richmond)	$28,800–$31,400	Independent	PK–12
St. Christopher's School	$29,200–$31,800	Independent	K–12
Collegiate School (Richmond)	$30,400–$32,800	Independent	PK–12
Benedictine College Preparatory	$16,200	Catholic	9–12
Steward School	$24,800–$26,400	Independent	PK–12
St. Gertrude High School	$14,400	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.