Private School Cost in Washington (2026)
Private schools in Washington average $13,450/year. 9% above national avg. Religious schools run $9,200/year; independent schools average $28,800/year.
State Average
$13,450
per year
Monthly Est.
$1,121
per month
Private Schools
620
in Washington
vs National
+$1,100
per year
Tuition by School Type in Washington
Average annual tuition, 2026 NCES data
Religious Schools
Catholic, Christian, Jewish, and other faith-based schools.
$9,200/yr
+15% vs national ($8,000)
Independent Schools
Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.
$28,800/yr
+15% vs national ($25,000)
Montessori Schools
Child-led learning programs, typically PK–8.
$15,200/yr
+22% vs national ($12,500)
All Private Schools (Avg)
Blended average across all types.
$13,450/yr
+9% vs national ($12,350)
Cost Range in Washington
25th Percentile
$7,800
More affordable options
State Average
$13,450
Typical school
75th Percentile
$22,200
Premium schools
Most Washington private schools fall between $7,800 and $22,200/year. Individual schools vary — always contact the school directly for exact tuition figures.
Can I Afford Private School in Washington?
Enter your household income to see how Washington's average tuition fits your budget.
Private vs Public in Washington
Private School (avg)
$13,450
per year, out-of-pocket
- • Avg class size: 12–15 students
- • Financial aid available (27% of students)
- • Specialized curriculum options
Public School
$14,500
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
Washington spends $14,500/pupil in public schools (state average). Private schools charge an average of $13,450/year — a gap of $1,050/year less than public per-pupil spending.
Financial Aid in Washington
About 27% of private school students nationally receive need-based financial aid, averaging 48% of tuition. At Washington's average of $13,450/year, that's roughly $6,500/year in aid for qualifying families. Most Washington private schools use FAST or SSS applications — ask the admissions office to start the process.
Learn more about private school financial aid →Compare Other States
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does private school cost in Washington?
Private school in Washington averages $13,450/year — 9% above the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $9,200/year; independent schools average $28,800/year. Washington has approximately 620 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24.
What is the average private school tuition in Washington?
The average private school tuition in Washington is $13,450/year. That breaks down to roughly $1,120/month on a 12-month payment plan. Religious schools run lower at $9,200/year; independent schools average $28,800/year.
How does Washington private school cost compare to the national average?
Washington private school tuition averages $13,450/year, which is 9% above the national average ($12,350/year). Washington 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 Washington?
Washington has approximately 620 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 Washington?
A common guideline is to keep private school tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At Washington's average of $13,450/year, that means a household income of $112,000+ 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.
Private School Calculator
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K–12 Total Cost
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All States Comparison
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