As a junior, with college around the corner, I've started looking at different schools. In doing so, I've come across some figures that show high school costs can vary significantly. I'm curious, just out of interest, what are some of the most expensive high schools in America, and how does that compare to average tuition costs?
Indeed, private high school tuitions across the United States can vary significantly, especially when comparing day schools to boarding schools. There are instances where the tuition rivals that of a private college.
The most expensive high schools in the U.S. are primarily located on the East Coast, especially in and around New York City. Avenues: The World School, a prestigious New York City prep school, has made headlines on multiple occasions for its steep tuition, which is roughly $56,000 per year, including mandatory fees. Likewise, another school in Manhattan, Riverdale Country School, has tuition fees upwards of $52,000.
In Connecticut, another state known for its pricey private schools, The Hotchkiss School and Choate Rosemary Hall, both boarding schools, have tuitions in the realm of $57,000-$60,000.
Meanwhile, the median yearly tuition for a private day school in the U.S. is significantly lower, at around $12,350 according to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).
Keep in mind, though, that these figures don't include additional costs like uniforms, textbooks, transportation, and trips. Many schools also provide financial aid, so the cost for many families will be less than the sticker price. But no matter how you slice it, these institutions are some of the priciest secondary education options in the country.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.