What factors make private high schools in Arizona so pricey?

I've heard some crazy things about the price tags tied to some of the private high schools in Arizona, which got me curious. What makes these schools so expensive compared to some other states?

Private high schools, regardless of their location, can be pricey due to various costs that these institutions have to bear, which are often covered by public funding in public schools. Here are some factors specific to Arizona that could potentially contribute to the high tuition fees at private high schools:

1. Operational Costs: Private schools do not get funding from the state or federal governments. Anything related to the upkeep of the school—maintenance, salaries of teachers and staff, technological infrastructure costs—are covered by tuition fees and private funding.

2. Attractive Programs: Many private high schools in Arizona offer attractive programs, such as International Baccalaureate (IB) or Advanced Placement (AP) courses, that can boost a student's college applications. The cost of maintaining the high standard required by these programs can be high.

3. Low Student-Teacher Ratio: Private high schools often pride themselves on having a low student-teacher ratio, meaning fewer students per class, which allows for a more personalized and supportive educational environment. However, hiring more teachers to keep class sizes small is an additional expense that these schools bear.

4. Campus Amenities: Some private schools offer extensive amenities, from state-of-the-art athletic facilities to well-stocked libraries, computer labs, and fine arts spaces. The cost of maintaining and updating such facilities can be high.

5. Educational Trips: Field trips, particularly international ones, may be part of the educational offering at some private high schools. These trips, while highly valuable for educational and cultural exposure, can add considerable costs.

All these factors and more could contribute to the high price of private high schools in Arizona. However, many of these schools offer scholarships and financial aid opportunities to help offset these costs, so it is worthwhile looking into those if you're considering private education.