Calculating the Cost of Private School

When calculating the cost of attending a private school, tuition is an important starting point, but for many schools it’s just that – a starting point. At some schools the tuition is an all-inclusive cost while at others tuition is simply a baseline cost with many more fees added on top. In addition, fees can vary by grade level since the older the student, the more likely the demand for trips, extra opportunities and supplies. Finally, while not all fees may be required, you will need to determine which of the optional fees you are willing and able to pay, and how they might effect your child’s school experience.

Below is a list of items to consider when calculating the cost of attending private school. You can check a school’s website or inquire at the admission office to find out associated costs as well as which fees are included in tuition and which fees are optional.

• Tuition
• New student fee
• Building/facilities fee
• Textbooks and other school supplies
• Yearbooks
• Laptop computer
• Field trips
• Class trips
  Depending upon grade level these may be local day trips, overnight trips, or extended international travel
• School uniforms
• Physical education uniforms
• Lunch
• Parent Association dues
• Interscholastic sports participation fees
• Summer camps
• Camps offered between semesters or during school breaks
• Bus transportation
• After school enrichment classes
• Student club participation
• Before and after school care
• Contributions to the Annual Fund each year
  While not required, private schools do often depend upon Annual Fund donations to make up the gap between tuition and the actual cost of educating a student. (Usually, tuition only covers approximately 70%-80% of the actual cost.) Find out what your school’s expectation is regarding participation.
• Contributions to Capital Campaigns
  Once again, while most schools will not require contributions, research what your school might expect.

2 Responses to “Calculating the Cost of Private School”

1. San Diego parent says:

   December 16, 2009 at 10:17 pm

   I’ve been very surprised to find that the actual cost at the schools where we are applying is so much more than just tuition! We still want a private school for our son but we’ll just have to budget more carefully. It’s so true that it varies by school, too!
2. Musings » The new blog in town says:

   December 18, 2009 at 4:24 am

   [...] The latest post is on “Calculating the Cost of Private School” [...]