What do Private Schools in Houston Cost Each Year?
Private schools in Houston cost various amounts. Want to know exactly how much? Read about the highest-ranked private schools, what they will cost you, and what is included in the total.
If you are in the process of applying to private schools for the first time, you may experience “sticker shock” when browsing through the tuition and fees pages on various schools’ websites.
We get it. Private schools in Houston cost families an average of $22,000 per year per child, depending on the child’s age, offerings, and religious affiliations. However, selecting a private school to support your child’s future is advantageous.
Among the top-ranked private schools in Houston, St. Agnes often claims a top spot based on academics and value for the cost. Tuition for the 2023-2024 school year at St. Agnes has been set at $24,900. Now, let’s take a look at how that compares to some of the other top private high schools in Houston.
High Schools with the Highest Tuition in Houston
On average, Catholic high schools cost about 18% less than other area private high schools. When comparing other upper schools (grades 9-12), St. Agnes actually ranks as one of the most affordable private schools in Houston.
Tuition for the 2023-2024 school year is currently set at $34,155 with additional fees for food service, laptops, new student fees, and more totaling $39,280. Of course, you may opt out of some of these additional fees; however, some are actually required.
Tuition for the 2023-2024 school year is set at $34,170 with additional fees that may total up to $36,370 and more.
Tuition for the 2023-2024 school year at Awty is set for $33,520 plus additional required fees that could run you about $5,000 more.
For the upcoming school year, Kinkaid’s tuition is set for $32,050 with undisclosed additional fees.
Comparing More than Just High School
When looking at all Houston private schools – including those offering education earlier than high school – many others tip the top of the charts in terms of cost.
Tuition for the 2023-2024 school year is currently set at $49,365 and includes school supplies, field trips, and touch-screen laptops (4th grade and up).
Tuition for the upcoming year is set at $35,850 and covers all costs for the year except school supplies and miscellaneous items (graduation, yearbook, PSAT, transportation, after-school programs, etc.).
At River Oaks Baptist, tuition for a 7th or 8th grader for the upcoming year will run you $31,415. However, their website says the price includes textbooks and classroom materials, daily lunch service (Lower School and Middle School), technology (school-owned device assigned to each student), yearbook photos and yearbooks, overnight class trips, early drop-off, fall fair, and other community activities.
At Second Baptist, tuition for the 2023-2024 school year will cost $24,720 for a child entering grades 5th through 8th. Textbooks and supplies are not included in this cost.
Alternatively, like St. Agnes Academy, there are several private schools in Houston that offer great value for fewer tuition dollars. Catholic schools like St. Theresa, St. Michael, and St. Anne come in at about $10,000 or less a year, all while offering a stellar education. These are what would be considered great value.
On average, when including K-12 schools, Catholic schools come in at nearly 24% cheaper than other Houston private schools.
Considering More Than Just Tuition
Whether high school, middle school, or elementary school, the fees and financial “asks” don’t end with tuition payments. In general, all schools have additional fees that parents are required to tack on to their tuition payments. New student fees, enrollment fees, computers, class trips, food services, books, etc.
St. Agnes offers a variety of emersion trips for students. Language immersion or mission trips are excellent opportunities for students to stretch themselves, venture beyond the Houston area, and grow in understanding the school’s mission. Many other schools offer these kinds of opportunities, but they are all provided for an additional cost.
Additionally, just like in a public school, private schools will always have various fundraising events in which they count on parent participation to help cover costs or raise money for a particular project or endeavor. Be prepared to be asked to support the school in several ways, such as attending a gala, donating to an annual fund, or participating in a bake sale or festival.
Financial Aid is Worth Looking Into
While all these schools come in at some of the highest tuition costs for Houston private schools, they offer financial aid and tuition assistance programs for qualifying individuals.
At St. Agnes, we support our mission by offering Tuition and Financial Aid options to students entering 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade who meet our admissions criteria.
Assistance through this program is available to cover the cost of tuition and the freshman laptop purchase. For the 2022-2023 school year, approximately 18 percent of the student body received financial aid totaling nearly $2,100,000.
If you are ready to begin applying to private schools in Houston, please visit St. Agnes Academy and see how we can offer opportunity and value to you and your daughter.
If you have specific questions about how much private schools in Houston cost compared to St. Agnes, don’t hesitate to call our Admissions office for more information. We look forward to seeing you for a tour and discussing how you can afford St. Agnes Academy!
