Private School Cost in San Diego 2026
Private schools in San Diego average $21,200/year. 72% above national avg. Religious schools run $11,500/year; independent schools average $36,500/year.
City Average
$21,200
per year
Monthly Est.
$1,767
per month
Private Schools
320
in San Diego
vs National
+$8,850
per year
Private School Tuition by Grade in San Diego (2026)
Estimated from city average and national grade-level differentials
Elementary School (K–5)
Religious and parish schools bring the lower end down.
$17,500/yr
~$1,458/mo
Middle School (6–8)
Near the city average — most K–8 schools report blended rates.
$21,200/yr
~$1,766/mo
High School (9–12)
Prep school premium; college counseling and athletics raise the cost.
$26,000/yr
~$2,166/mo
Tuition by School Type in San Diego
Average annual tuition, 2026 data
Religious Schools
Catholic, Christian, Jewish, and other faith-based schools.
$11,500/yr
+44% vs national ($8,000)
Independent Schools
Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.
$36,500/yr
+46% vs national ($25,000)
All Private Schools (Avg)
Blended average across all types.
$21,200/yr
+72% vs national ($12,350)
Tuition Range in San Diego
Starting From
$7,800
Parish and religious schools
City Average
$21,200
Typical school
Top End
$48,000+
Elite prep schools
Most San Diego private schools fall between $7,800 and $48,000/year. Contact each school directly for exact figures — tuition varies by grade and financial aid applied.
Private Schools in San Diego: 2026 Tuition Data
Representative schools — tuition figures from school websites and NCES. Verify with each school before applying.
| School | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|
| Bishop's School | $43,200 |
| La Jolla Country Day School | $38,800–$41,200 |
| Francis Parker School | $36,400–$38,800 |
| Cathedral Catholic High School | $19,800 |
| Saint Augustine High School | $18,200 |
| Mater Dei Catholic High School | $15,400 |
Tuition data sourced from school websites (2025–26 academic year). Financial aid can reduce the net cost substantially — ask each school about aid availability.
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