How much does K-12 private school cost in total?

The total cost of K-12 private school (13 years) ranges from approximately $120,000 to $500,000+ depending on school type and location. A religious school averaging $8,000/year with 4% inflation totals around $135,000, while an independent school at $25,000/year totals around $420,000.

How much does private school tuition increase each year?

Private school tuition typically increases 3-5% per year, which is slightly above general inflation. Over a K-12 education, this means the final year's tuition could be 50-80% higher than the first year's tuition.

Private School K-12 Total Cost Calculator

See the full cost of private school from kindergarten through 12th grade with annual inflation projections.

School Type

State

Starting Grade

Annual Inflation

Financial Aid Discount (optional)

If you expect financial aid, enter the percentage of tuition you expect to be covered. Use our aid estimator to get an idea of your range.

Total K-12 Cost

-- years

First Year

starting tuition

Final Year

-- increase from start

Year-by-Year Cost Projection

Year	Grade	Tuition	After Aid	Cumulative Total

Alternative: Investing in a 529 Plan

What if you invested that tuition money instead? Here is how a 529 college savings plan might grow if you contributed what you would have spent on private school tuition each year.

Total Private School Cost

what you'd pay in tuition

529 Plan Value at Graduation

assuming 7% annual return

This is not investment advice. 529 plans invest in the market and returns are not guaranteed. The 7% figure is a long-term historical average for balanced portfolios. This comparison assumes public school is free and all tuition savings are invested. Tax advantages of 529 plans are not included and would increase the value further.

Cost by Starting Grade

See how the total cost changes depending on when your child starts private school.

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Updated March 2026. Projections assume constant annual tuition inflation rate.