How much does private school cost in Washington DC?

Private school in Washington DC averages $28,400/year in 2026 — 130% above the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $15,200/year; independent and prep schools average $46,000/year. Washington DC has approximately 190 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24 + local school data.

What is private school tuition in Washington DC for 2026?

Washington DC private school tuition ranges from $9,000 to $58,000/year. The city average is $28,400/year ($2,367/month). Religious schools run lower at $15,200/year; top independent day schools can reach $58,000+.

How does Washington DC private school cost compare to the national average?

Washington DC private school tuition averages $28,400/year, which is 130% above the national average ($12,350/year). Washington DC 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 Washington DC?

The most affordable private schools in Washington DC are typically Catholic and religious schools, which average $15,200/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 Washington DC 2026

Q: Can I afford private school in Washington DC?

A common rule is to keep tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At Washington DC's average of $28,400/year, a household income of $237,000+ 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 Washington DC average $28,400/year. 130% above national avg. Religious schools run $15,200/year; independent schools average $46,000/year.

City Average

$28,400

per year

Monthly Est.

$2,367

per month

Private Schools

190

in Washington DC

vs National

+$16,050

per year

Private School Tuition by Grade in Washington DC (2026)

Estimated from city average and national grade-level differentials

Elementary School (K–5)

Religious and parish schools bring the lower end down.

$23,000/yr

~$1,916/mo

Middle School (6–8)

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

$28,400/yr

~$2,366/mo

High School (9–12)

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

$35,500/yr

~$2,958/mo

Tuition by School Type in Washington DC

Average annual tuition, 2026 data

Religious Schools

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

$15,200/yr

+90% vs national ($8,000)

Independent Schools

Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.

$46,000/yr

+84% vs national ($25,000)

All Private Schools (Avg)

Blended average across all types.

$28,400/yr

+130% vs national ($12,350)

Tuition Range in Washington DC

Starting From

$9,000

Parish and religious schools

City Average

$28,400

Typical school

Top End

$58,000+

Elite prep schools

Most Washington DC private schools fall between $9,000 and $58,000/year. Contact each school directly for exact figures — tuition varies by grade and financial aid applied.

Private Schools in Washington DC: 2026 Tuition Data

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

School	Annual Tuition	Type	Grades
Sidwell Friends School	$52,900	Independent (Quaker)	PK–12
Georgetown Day School	$51,400	Independent	PK–12
National Cathedral School	$50,200	Independent	4–12
Gonzaga College High School	$25,400	Catholic	9–12
Archbishop Carroll High School	$18,200	Catholic	9–12
Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School	$32,800	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.