How much does private school cost in St. Louis?

Private school in St. Louis averages $13,000/year in 2026 — 5% above the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $8,400/year; independent and prep schools average $24,500/year. St. Louis has approximately 220 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24 + local school data.

What is private school tuition in St. Louis for 2026?

St. Louis private school tuition ranges from $5,200 to $32,000/year. The city average is $13,000/year ($1,083/month). Religious schools run lower at $8,400/year; top independent day schools can reach $32,000+.

How does St. Louis private school cost compare to the national average?

St. Louis private school tuition averages $13,000/year, which is 5% above the national average ($12,350/year). St. Louis sits close to the national average, with a mix of religious and independent schools across a wide price range.

What are the most affordable private schools in St. Louis?

The most affordable private schools in St. Louis are typically Catholic and religious schools, which average $8,400/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 St. Louis 2026

Q: Can I afford private school in St. Louis?

A common rule is to keep tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At St. Louis's average of $13,000/year, a household income of $108,000+ 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 St. Louis average $13,000/year. 5% above national avg. Religious schools run $8,400/year; independent schools average $24,500/year.

City Average

$13,000

per year

Monthly Est.

$1,083

per month

Private Schools

220

in St. Louis

vs National

+$650

per year

Private School Tuition by Grade in St. Louis (2026)

Estimated from city average and national grade-level differentials

Elementary School (K–5)

Religious and parish schools bring the lower end down.

$10,600/yr

~$883/mo

Middle School (6–8)

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

$13,000/yr

~$1,083/mo

High School (9–12)

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

$16,000/yr

~$1,333/mo

Tuition by School Type in St. Louis

Average annual tuition, 2026 data

Religious Schools

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

$8,400/yr

+5% vs national ($8,000)

Independent Schools

Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.

$24,500/yr

-2% vs national ($25,000)

All Private Schools (Avg)

Blended average across all types.

$13,000/yr

+5% vs national ($12,350)

Tuition Range in St. Louis

Starting From

$5,200

Parish and religious schools

City Average

$13,000

Typical school

Top End

$32,000+

Elite prep schools

Most St. Louis private schools fall between $5,200 and $32,000/year. Contact each school directly for exact figures — tuition varies by grade and financial aid applied.

Private Schools in St. Louis: 2026 Tuition Data

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

School	Annual Tuition	Type	Grades
John Burroughs School	$28,400–$30,800	Independent	7–12
MICDS (Mary Institute and Country Day School)	$30,200–$32,800	Independent	JK–12
Chaminade College Preparatory	$16,800	Catholic	6–12
St. Louis University High School	$17,400	Catholic	9–12
Incarnate Word Academy (St. Louis)	$13,200	Catholic	9–12
Lutheran High School South	$9,800–$11,400	Lutheran	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.