What is the Tuition for a Private School?
Private schools have long been a symbol of wholesome learning throughout our educational system. One undeniable fact that differentiates private schools from other forms of education is price.
Unlike public education options, private schools are not funded by the government. As such, they must rely on student tuition and donations to stay in business. While this may seem like a downside when it comes to the financial side of things, there are actually many perks that come from paying tuition at a private school.
Because you are a “paying customer” and schools rely on your funding to keep their doors open, administrations are more willing to work hard for your child to ensure the stellar quality of education that you’re paying for is always met.
With so many different types of private schools out there, it may be confusing to figure out which ones are worth the cost. If you’re in the market for a private school that fits your budget, stick around for all the info you’ll need to breakdown tuition costs for private school education.
Average cost of private school tuition
The average cost of a private elementary school is a little under $8,000 per calendar year. This does not include any extra administration fees, supply costs, or any extracurricular activities. This number can also vary greatly based on your desired school and your current geographical location.
Naturally, the average cost of a private high school is a bit higher than the tuition at the elementary level. The average cost of a private high school is around $13,000 per year. This of course does not include any other fees that may be associated with attending that institution.
It’s important to mention that these schools are assumed to be day schools and not private boarding schools. When taking into account food, lodging, and travel that is associated with boarding school life, the cost for private boarding institution can easily rise to $50,000 per year.
Private colleges are also highly popular and vary in tuition based on their location and their curriculum options. Students at a private college can expect to pay anywhere from $30,000 to $70,000 per year for their schooling.
Options for funding your student’s education
If all of those numbers above seem a little overwhelming, it’s important not to get too ahead of yourself here. Yes, private schools do cost money however, it’s not impossible to lower and in some cases, eliminate these costs.
Many private schools are religiously affiliated and some even offer tuition discounts to families that choose to get involved in the schools affiliated church community.
Many private schools also offer a variety of financial aid and payment plans. Most schools also offer some form of scholarships whether that be on academic/artistic merit or on a needs based system.
The point is, regardless of the number you see on the tuition bill, understand that there are options out there. You should always try to reach out to your desired school administration for advice on how to best financially accommodate your family.
What are you getting for your money?
As with buying anything in life, it’s natural to wonder just what exactly you’re getting for your money. However, unlike a pair of new shoes, the perks of a private school education go far beyond style or keeping your feet warm.
Because private schools are run on a business model, the transaction is very simple. You pay the administration a certain amount of money per year and in exchange for that, they will provide vital and exclusive education for your child.
The perks of a private school are endless, however the most important thing to keep in mind is that you always get what you pay for. While the most expensive school on the market may not always be the right one for you, it’s still important to remember that the money you’re paying to the school ultimately goes to fund the many programs and activities that benefit your student. So, if we did the math here...more tuition would usually equal more perks and better learning conditions for your child.
Again, this model isn’t always the same for every school. It’s important to ask for complete breakdowns of tuition costs from your chosen administration before paying anything. As a parent and a paying customer for your child’s education, you absolutely have a right to know what exactly it is you’re paying for.
Is private school worth the money?
Ah, the age old question “Is private school worth the money?”. You’ll often hear this question out of the mouths of private school naysayers and those who look down upon private education in general. However, if you’re a parent that is new to the realm of private education, this is also a completely valid question to have.
The answer to this question ultimately depends on your own personal values and your child’s educational needs. If your child is someone who needs extra attention or additional one on one time to really soak in concepts, then a private school is definitely for them.
If your child is looking to be challenged or engaged in a classroom, a private school is absolutely for them. Even if you’re just looking for a community based administration that welcomes and invites you to be an active participant in your child’s education, then a private school might be the best option for you and your family.
So, when you ask yourself the question “Is private school worth the money?”, I invite you to take a look at your own situation and reflect on what matters to you most about your child’s education.
The world of private education offers a variety of priceless opportunities for students of all backgrounds and skill levels. If you’re in the process of finding the perfect private school for your child, cost is inevitably something that will come up during your search.
As you continue our school searching journey, it’s important to remember that a private education is an investment in your child’s future. This investment is one that will pay off in multitudes down the road as your child will grow up with a variety of highly important advantages and skills that may have not been available otherwise.