Is private school cheaper in Stamford or Washington DC?

Washington DC has lower average private school tuition at $28,400/year vs $29,900/year in Stamford. That's $1,500/year less, or $19,500 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Washington DC is $1,500/year less than Stamford. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $19,500 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $16,500/year in Stamford, $15,200/year in Washington DC.

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

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Stamford averages $29,900/year ($17,550 above average). Washington DC averages $28,400/year ($16,050 above average).

Private School Cost: Stamford vs Washington DC

Washington DC averages $1,500/year less for private school (5% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $19,500 per child.

Bottom Line

Washington DC is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $28,400/year vs $29,900/year in Stamford. Religious schools run $15,200/year on the low end.

Stamford

$29,900

avg tuition/year

$17,550 above national avg

Washington DC

$28,400

avg tuition/year

$16,050 above national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Stamford	Washington DC	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$29,900/yr	$28,400/yr	+$1,500
Religious Schools	$16,500/yr	$15,200/yr	+$1,300
Independent/Prep	$59,500/yr	$46,000/yr	+$13,500
Elementary (K-5)	$25,400/yr	$23,000/yr	+$2,400
Middle School (6-8)	$29,900/yr	$28,400/yr	+$1,500
High School (9-12)	$35,900/yr	$35,500/yr	+$400

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Stamford

$388,700

Washington DC

$369,200

Choosing Washington DC saves $19,500 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $39,000.

Sample Schools

Stamford

King School (Stamford)

Independent · PK–12 · $47,800/yr

Bi-Cultural Day School

Independent (Jewish) · K–8 · $26,400/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 Stamford breakdown → Full Washington DC breakdown →

Connecticut 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.