Private School Cost: Seattle vs Washington DC
Seattle averages $3,900/year less for private school (16% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $50,700 per child.
Bottom Line
Seattle is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $24,500/year vs $28,400/year in Washington DC. Religious schools run $13,200/year on the low end.
Seattle
WA
$24,500
avg tuition/year
Washington DC
DC
$28,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Seattle | Washington DC | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $24,500/yr | $28,400/yr | -$3,900 |
| Religious Schools | $13,200/yr | $15,200/yr | -$2,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $38,000/yr | $46,000/yr | -$8,000 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $20,000/yr | $23,000/yr | -$3,000 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $24,500/yr | $28,400/yr | -$3,900 |
| High School (9-12) | $30,500/yr | $35,500/yr | -$5,000 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Seattle
$318,500
Washington DC
$369,200
Choosing Seattle saves $50,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $101,400.
Sample Schools
Seattle
University Prep
Independent · 6–12 · $42,800/yr
Northwest School
Independent · 6–12 · $39,400/yr
Seattle Prep
Catholic · 9–12 · $21,200/yr
O'Dea High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,800/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
Related Comparisons
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.