PrivateSchoolCost

Private School Cost in Florida (2026)

Private schools in Florida average $10,450/year. 15% below national avg. Religious schools run $7,200/year; independent schools average $21,500/year.

State Average

$10,450

per year

Monthly Est.

$871

per month

Private Schools

2,780

in Florida

vs National

-$1,900

per year

Tuition by School Type in Florida

Average annual tuition, 2026 NCES data

Religious Schools

Catholic, Christian, Jewish, and other faith-based schools.

$7,200/yr

-10% vs national ($8,000)

Independent Schools

Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.

$21,500/yr

-14% vs national ($25,000)

Montessori Schools

Child-led learning programs, typically PK–8.

$11,800/yr

-6% vs national ($12,500)

All Private Schools (Avg)

Blended average across all types.

$10,450/yr

-15% vs national ($12,350)

Cost Range in Florida

25th Percentile

$5,800

More affordable options

State Average

$10,450

Typical school

75th Percentile

$17,200

Premium schools

Most Florida private schools fall between $5,800 and $17,200/year. Individual schools vary — always contact the school directly for exact tuition figures.

Can I Afford Private School in Florida?

Enter your household income to see how Florida's average tuition fits your budget.

$

Private vs Public in Florida

Private School (avg)

$10,450

per year, out-of-pocket

  • • Avg class size: 12–15 students
  • • Financial aid available (27% of students)
  • • Specialized curriculum options

Public School

$10,710

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

Florida spends $10,710/pupil in public schools (state average). Private schools charge an average of $10,450/year — a gap of $260/year less than public per-pupil spending.

Financial Aid in Florida

About 27% of private school students nationally receive need-based financial aid, averaging 48% of tuition. At Florida's average of $10,450/year, that's roughly $5,000/year in aid for qualifying families. Most Florida 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 Florida?

Private school in Florida averages $10,450/year — 15% below the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $7,200/year; independent schools average $21,500/year. Florida has approximately 2,780 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24.

What is the average private school tuition in Florida?

The average private school tuition in Florida is $10,450/year. That breaks down to roughly $870/month on a 12-month payment plan. Religious schools run lower at $7,200/year; independent schools average $21,500/year.

How does Florida private school cost compare to the national average?

Florida private school tuition averages $10,450/year, which is 15% below the national average ($12,350/year). Florida sits close to the national average — a mix of religious and independent schools puts it near the middle of the range.

How many private schools are in Florida?

Florida has approximately 2,780 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 Florida?

A common guideline is to keep private school tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At Florida's average of $10,450/year, that means a household income of $87,000+ 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.