Private School Cost: Alexandria vs Carlsbad
Both cities average about the same for private school tuition.
Bottom Line
Both cities average around $18,800/year for private school. The difference shows up in school type: religious schools are much cheaper than independent prep.
Alexandria
VA
$18,800
avg tuition/year
Carlsbad
CA
$18,800
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Alexandria | Carlsbad | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $18,800/yr | $18,800/yr | Same |
| Religious Schools | $12,900/yr | $12,200/yr | +$700 |
| Independent/Prep | $37,600/yr | $36,600/yr | +$1,000 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $16,000/yr | $16,000/yr | Same |
| Middle School (6-8) | $18,800/yr | $18,800/yr | Same |
| High School (9-12) | $22,600/yr | $22,600/yr | Same |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Alexandria
$244,400
Carlsbad
$244,400
Sample Schools
Alexandria
Episcopal High School (Alexandria VA)
Independent (Episcopal) · 9–12 · $65,800/yr
Bishop Ireton High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $18,400/yr
Carlsbad
Army Navy Academy (Carlsbad)
Independent (Military) · 7–12 · $47,500-$52,000/yr
Pacific Ridge School
Independent · 6–12 · $34,200/yr
About This Comparison
This comparison uses NCES Private School Universe Survey data, adjusted for metro-level cost-of-living differences. "Average tuition" blends religious schools (Catholic, Christian) and independent day/prep schools. Religious schools typically cost 60-70% less than independent schools in the same city.
Grade-level estimates (elementary, middle, high) are derived from the city average using national grade-level multipliers. High school tuition typically runs 15-25% above the city average; elementary runs 10-20% below.