Is private school cheaper in Stockton or Washington DC?

Stockton has lower average private school tuition at $13,800/year vs $28,400/year in Washington DC. That's $14,600/year less, or $189,800 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Stockton is $14,600/year less than Washington DC. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $189,800 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $9,000/year in Stockton, $15,200/year in Washington DC.

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

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Stockton averages $13,800/year ($1,450 above average). Washington DC averages $28,400/year ($16,050 above average).

Private School Cost: Stockton vs Washington DC

Stockton averages $14,600/year less for private school (106% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $189,800 per child.

Bottom Line

Stockton is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,800/year vs $28,400/year in Washington DC. Religious schools run $9,000/year on the low end.

Stockton

$13,800

avg tuition/year

$1,450 above national avg

Lower cost

Washington DC

$28,400

avg tuition/year

$16,050 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Stockton	Washington DC	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$13,800/yr	$28,400/yr	-$14,600
Religious Schools	$9,000/yr	$15,200/yr	-$6,200
Independent/Prep	$26,800/yr	$46,000/yr	-$19,200
Elementary (K-5)	$11,700/yr	$23,000/yr	-$11,300
Middle School (6-8)	$13,800/yr	$28,400/yr	-$14,600
High School (9-12)	$16,600/yr	$35,500/yr	-$18,900

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Stockton

$179,400

Washington DC

$369,200

Choosing Stockton saves $189,800 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $379,600.

Sample Schools

Stockton

St. Mary's High School (Stockton)

Catholic · 9–12 · $14,200/yr

Stockton Christian School

Christian · PK–12 · $8,600-$10,200/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 Stockton breakdown → Full Washington DC breakdown →

California 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.