Private School Cost: Charleston vs Washington DC
Charleston averages $19,000/year less for private school (202% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $247,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Charleston is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $9,400/year vs $28,400/year in Washington DC. Religious schools run $6,800/year on the low end.
Charleston
SC
$9,400
avg tuition/year
Washington DC
DC
$28,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Charleston | Washington DC | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $9,400/yr | $28,400/yr | -$19,000 |
| Religious Schools | $6,800/yr | $15,200/yr | -$8,400 |
| Independent/Prep | $19,400/yr | $46,000/yr | -$26,600 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $8,000/yr | $23,000/yr | -$15,000 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $9,400/yr | $28,400/yr | -$19,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $11,300/yr | $35,500/yr | -$24,200 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Charleston
$122,200
Washington DC
$369,200
Choosing Charleston saves $247,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $494,000.
Sample Schools
Charleston
Porter-Gaud School
Independent · PK–12 · $25,800/yr
Bishop England High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $12,800/yr
Washington DC
Sidwell Friends School
Independent (Quaker) · PK–12 · $52,900/yr
Georgetown Day School
Independent · PK–12 · $51,400/yr
National Cathedral School
Independent · 4–12 · $50,200/yr
Gonzaga College High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $25,400/yr
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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.