Private School Cost: Charleston vs Raleigh
Charleston averages $6,600/year less for private school (103% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $85,800 per child.
Bottom Line
Charleston is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,400/year vs $13,000/year in Raleigh. Religious schools run $4,600/year on the low end.
Charleston
WV
$6,400
avg tuition/year
Raleigh
NC
$13,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Charleston | Raleigh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $6,400/yr | $13,000/yr | -$6,600 |
| Religious Schools | $4,600/yr | $8,200/yr | -$3,600 |
| Independent/Prep | $12,800/yr | $24,500/yr | -$11,700 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $5,400/yr | $10,600/yr | -$5,200 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $6,400/yr | $13,000/yr | -$6,600 |
| High School (9-12) | $7,700/yr | $16,000/yr | -$8,300 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Charleston
$83,200
Raleigh
$169,000
Choosing Charleston saves $85,800 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $171,600.
Sample Schools
Charleston
Charleston Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $9,200/yr
Liberty Christian Academy (Charleston WV)
Christian · K–12 · $7,800-$9,800/yr
Raleigh
Ravenscroft School
Independent · PK–12 · $26,800-$29,200/yr
Cardinal Gibbons High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $14,400/yr
Cary Academy
Independent · 6–12 · $22,400-$24,800/yr
Raleigh Charter High School
Charter (Free) · 9–12
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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.