Private School Cost in District of Columbia (2026)
Private schools in District of Columbia average $26,850/year. 117% above national avg. Religious schools run $15,500/year; independent schools average $45,200/year.
State Average
$26,850
per year
Monthly Est.
$2,238
per month
Private Schools
95
in District of Columbia
vs National
+$14,500
per year
Tuition by School Type in District of Columbia
Average annual tuition, 2026 NCES data
Religious Schools
Catholic, Christian, Jewish, and other faith-based schools.
$15,500/yr
+94% vs national ($8,000)
Independent Schools
Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.
$45,200/yr
+81% vs national ($25,000)
Montessori Schools
Child-led learning programs, typically PK–8.
$22,500/yr
+80% vs national ($12,500)
All Private Schools (Avg)
Blended average across all types.
$26,850/yr
+117% vs national ($12,350)
Cost Range in District of Columbia
25th Percentile
$14,500
More affordable options
State Average
$26,850
Typical school
75th Percentile
$42,800
Premium schools
Most District of Columbia private schools fall between $14,500 and $42,800/year. Individual schools vary — always contact the school directly for exact tuition figures.
Can I Afford Private School in District of Columbia?
Enter your household income to see how District of Columbia's average tuition fits your budget.
Private vs Public in District of Columbia
Private School (avg)
$26,850
per year, out-of-pocket
- • Avg class size: 12–15 students
- • Financial aid available (27% of students)
- • Specialized curriculum options
Public School
$24,510
per pupil, taxpayer-funded
- • Avg class size: 16–22 students
- • Free to attend (hidden costs: $1,500–$5,000/yr)
- • Quality varies widely by district
District of Columbia spends $24,510/pupil in public schools (state average). Private schools charge an average of $26,850/year — a gap of $2,340/year more than public per-pupil spending.
Financial Aid in District of Columbia
About 27% of private school students nationally receive need-based financial aid, averaging 48% of tuition. At District of Columbia's average of $26,850/year, that's roughly $12,900/year in aid for qualifying families. Most District of Columbia private schools use FAST or SSS applications — ask the admissions office to start the process.
Learn more about private school financial aid →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does private school cost in District of Columbia?
Private school in District of Columbia averages $26,850/year — 117% above the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $15,500/year; independent schools average $45,200/year. District of Columbia has approximately 95 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24.
What is the average private school tuition in District of Columbia?
The average private school tuition in District of Columbia is $26,850/year. That breaks down to roughly $2,237/month on a 12-month payment plan. Religious schools run lower at $15,500/year; independent schools average $45,200/year.
How does District of Columbia private school cost compare to the national average?
District of Columbia private school tuition averages $26,850/year, which is 117% above the national average ($12,350/year). District of Columbia is one of the higher-cost states for private education, driven by higher concentrations of elite independent schools.
How many private schools are in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia has approximately 95 private schools. These include religious (Catholic, Christian, Jewish, and other faith-based) schools, independent schools, Montessori programs, and boarding schools. Source: NCES Private School Universe Survey.
Can I afford private school in District of Columbia?
A common guideline is to keep private school tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At District of Columbia's average of $26,850/year, that means a household income of $224,000+ is generally needed without financial stress. About 27% of private school families receive need-based aid averaging 48% of tuition — contact the school's admissions office to learn about aid options.
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