Is private school cheaper in Washington DC or West Covina?

West Covina has lower average private school tuition at $16,500/year vs $28,400/year in Washington DC. That's $11,900/year less, or $154,700 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in West Covina is $11,900/year less than Washington DC. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $154,700 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $15,200/year in Washington DC, $10,700/year in West Covina.

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

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Washington DC averages $28,400/year ($16,050 above average). West Covina averages $16,500/year ($4,150 above average).

Private School Cost: Washington DC vs West Covina

West Covina averages $11,900/year less for private school (72% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $154,700 per child.

Bottom Line

West Covina is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $16,500/year vs $28,400/year in Washington DC. Religious schools run $10,700/year on the low end.

Washington DC

$28,400

avg tuition/year

$16,050 above national avg

West Covina

$16,500

avg tuition/year

$4,150 above national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Washington DC	West Covina	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$28,400/yr	$16,500/yr	+$11,900
Religious Schools	$15,200/yr	$10,700/yr	+$4,500
Independent/Prep	$46,000/yr	$32,000/yr	+$14,000
Elementary (K-5)	$23,000/yr	$14,000/yr	+$9,000
Middle School (6-8)	$28,400/yr	$16,500/yr	+$11,900
High School (9-12)	$35,500/yr	$19,800/yr	+$15,700

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Washington DC

$369,200

West Covina

$214,500

Choosing West Covina saves $154,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $309,400.

Sample Schools

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

West Covina

Bishop Amat Memorial High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $16,200/yr

Ambassadors Christian School

Christian · K–12 · $8,400-$10,200/yr

Full Washington DC breakdown → Full West Covina breakdown →

District of Columbia private school costs California 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.