Private School Tuition by Grade Level (2026)
Private school tuition runs $11,100–$14,200/year depending on grade level. Elementary costs about 10% less than the school’s baseline rate; high school costs 15% more. Here’s what each phase actually costs, broken down by school type and state.
Private School Tuition by Grade and School Type
National averages. Source: NCES Private School Universe Survey, projected to 2026.
| School Type | Elementary (K–5) | Middle (6–8) | High School (9–12) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Religious school | $7,200 | $8,000 | $9,200 |
| Montessori | $11,250 | $12,500 | $14,380 |
| National average (all types) | $11,100 | $12,350 | $14,200 |
| Independent school | $22,500 | $25,000 | $28,750 |
California Private School Tuition by Grade Level
California averages are about 35% above the national baseline. Bay Area and L.A. independent schools push statewide averages up significantly.
| School Type | Elementary (K–5) | Middle (6–8) | High School (9–12) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Religious school | $9,180 | $10,200 | $11,730 |
| All schools (CA avg) | $14,110 | $15,680 | $18,030 |
| Independent school | $27,450 | $30,500 | $35,080 |
See full California breakdown: California private school costs by type
Most Expensive States for Private School by Grade Level
All-types average tuition with grade-level adjustment. Source: NCES, projected to 2026.
| State | Elementary | Middle School | High School |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $24,170 | $26,850 | $30,880 |
| Massachusetts | $20,250 | $22,500 | $25,870 |
| Connecticut | $19,220 | $21,350 | $24,550 |
| New York | $18,140 | $20,150 | $23,170 |
| New Hampshire | $16,070 | $17,850 | $20,530 |
Private Elementary School Tuition (Grades K–5)
Elementary is the least expensive phase at almost every private school. Religious schools charge $5,500–$10,000 for K–5. Independent lower schools run $15,000–$35,000. At the national average of $11,100/year, six years of elementary school totals roughly $66,600 before any tuition inflation.
Private Middle School Tuition (Grades 6–8)
Middle school is the baseline rate for most private schools. When a school advertises its tuition, the middle school number is usually what they mean. Elementary runs ~10% below it; high school runs ~15% above. Average private middle school tuition in 2026 is $12,350 nationally—and about $18,000–$20,000 in California across all school types.
Private High School Tuition (Grades 9–12)
High school is the most expensive phase. The 15% premium over middle school reflects AP/IB teachers, college counseling departments, varsity athletics, and lab facilities. Average private high school tuition runs $14,200 nationally in 2026. California independent high schools average $35,000–$50,000 in metro areas, with boarding schools reaching $60,000+.
How Costs Change by Grade Level
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average private school tuition by grade level?
Private school tuition varies by grade level: elementary school (K–5) averages $11,100/year nationally, middle school (grades 6–8) averages $12,350/year, and high school (grades 9–12) averages $14,200/year. These are all-types national averages from NCES data projected to 2026. Religious schools run about 35% below these figures; independent schools run about 100% above.
What is the average private middle school tuition in California in 2026?
Average private middle school tuition in California in 2026 is approximately $18,000–$20,000/year across all school types. Catholic and religious middle schools run $10,000–$15,000. Independent and nonsectarian middle schools average $28,000–$38,000 statewide, with Los Angeles and Bay Area independent day schools reaching $42,000–$56,000.
What is the average private high school tuition in California in 2026?
Average private high school tuition in California in 2026 runs $20,000–$23,000/year across all school types. Catholic high schools average $14,000–$18,000. Independent high schools average $35,000–$50,000 in metro areas. Boarding schools in California range from $55,000–$75,000.
Why does private high school cost more than elementary?
Private high school costs about 15% more than the same school’s elementary rate. The premium comes from: specialized AP and IB teachers, college counseling departments, varsity athletics with paid coaches and travel, and science lab equipment. These costs are spread across fewer years of enrollment, so each family pays more per year.
What is the cheapest private school option by grade level?
Religious schools offer the lowest tuition at every grade level: about $7,200 for elementary, $8,000 for middle school, and $9,200 for high school nationally. Parish-subsidized Catholic schools in the South and Midwest sometimes charge $4,000–$6,000 for elementary. The cheapest overall option is a religious elementary school in a low-cost state — Mississippi and South Dakota average under $7,000 all-grades.
Data: NAIS Annual Tuition Survey, NCEA Catholic School Statistics, NCES Private School Universe Survey, College Board Independent School Aid Research
Last updated: September 2025
How we calculate this · Financial aid is not guaranteed. Contact each school's financial aid office for current aid availability and application deadlines.