Private School Cost: Alexandria vs Orange County
Alexandria averages $2,000/year less for private school (11% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $26,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Alexandria is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $18,800/year vs $20,800/year in Orange County. Religious schools run $11,200/year on the low end.
Alexandria
VA
$18,800
avg tuition/year
Orange County
CA
$20,800
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Alexandria | Orange County | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $18,800/yr | $20,800/yr | -$2,000 |
| Religious Schools | $12,900/yr | $11,200/yr | +$1,700 |
| Independent/Prep | $37,600/yr | $34,800/yr | +$2,800 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $16,000/yr | $17,000/yr | -$1,000 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $18,800/yr | $20,800/yr | -$2,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $22,600/yr | $25,500/yr | -$2,900 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Alexandria
$244,400
Orange County
$270,400
Choosing Alexandria saves $26,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $52,000.
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
Orange County
Sage Hill School
Independent · 9–12 · $41,800/yr
Fairmont Preparatory Academy
Independent · 9–12 · $34,600-$37,200/yr
Calvary Chapel Academy
Christian · K–12 · $10,400-$12,800/yr
JSerra Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $22,400/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.