Is private school cheaper in Frederick or Washington DC?

Frederick has lower average private school tuition at $16,700/year vs $28,400/year in Washington DC. That's $11,700/year less, or $152,100 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Frederick over Washington DC?

Average tuition in Frederick is $11,700/year less than Washington DC. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $152,100 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $11,300/year in Frederick, $15,200/year in Washington DC.

How do Frederick and Washington DC private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Frederick averages $16,700/year ($4,350 above average). Washington DC averages $28,400/year ($16,050 above average).

Private School Cost: Frederick vs Washington DC

Frederick averages $11,700/year less for private school (70% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $152,100 per child.

Bottom Line

Frederick is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $16,700/year vs $28,400/year in Washington DC. Religious schools run $11,300/year on the low end.

Frederick

$16,700

avg tuition/year

$4,350 above national avg

Lower cost

Washington DC

$28,400

avg tuition/year

$16,050 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Frederick	Washington DC	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$16,700/yr	$28,400/yr	-$11,700
Religious Schools	$11,300/yr	$15,200/yr	-$3,900
Independent/Prep	$35,100/yr	$46,000/yr	-$10,900
Elementary (K-5)	$14,200/yr	$23,000/yr	-$8,800
Middle School (6-8)	$16,700/yr	$28,400/yr	-$11,700
High School (9-12)	$20,000/yr	$35,500/yr	-$15,500

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Frederick

$217,100

Washington DC

$369,200

Choosing Frederick saves $152,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $304,200.

Sample Schools

Frederick

Frederick Classical Charter School (Private Prep)

Independent · K–12 · $11,200/yr

Visitation Academy (Frederick MD)

Catholic · PK–8 · $12,400/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

Full Frederick breakdown → Full Washington DC breakdown →

Maryland private school costs District of Columbia private school costs

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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.