NYC Private School Tuition Tops $70K Per Year

Soaring costs put elite education out of reach for many families

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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New York City private school tuition has surpassed $70,000 per year, with at least seven schools charging more than that amount. The sharp increase, outpacing inflation, is driven by rising costs like teacher salaries and the need to offer more financial aid. While the tuition fees are squeezing even high-earning families, some are willing to pay for a 'stellar education' for their children, especially amid concerns over changes to the public school system under the new socialist mayor.

Why it matters

The skyrocketing private school tuition in NYC reflects the growing inequality in educational opportunities, as quality education becomes increasingly inaccessible for middle-class and lower-income families. This trend raises concerns about the long-term impact on social mobility and the potential for further segregation within the education system.

The details

According to a Bloomberg analysis, at least seven NYC private schools, including Spence School, Dalton School, and Avenues in Chelsea, charged more than $70,000 in tuition for the 2026-27 school year. Tuition fees at 15 private city schools jumped a median of 4.7%, outpacing the New York metro area's 3.4% inflation rate. Schools argue the rising fees are necessary to cover higher costs, particularly teacher salaries, and offer more financial aid to struggling families. However, the eye-popping tuition costs are squeezing even the city's highest earners, with some families willing to pay the steep price for a 'stellar education' for their children.

  • The 2026-27 school year saw tuition at several NYC private schools exceed $70,000.
  • In 2014, the median NYC private school tuition was $39,900.

The players

Spence School

A private school in New York City that charged over $70,000 in tuition for the 2026-27 school year.

Dalton School

A private school in New York City that charged over $70,000 in tuition for the 2026-27 school year.

Avenues

A private school in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood that charged the highest tuition of over $75,300 for the 2026-27 school year.

Zohran Mamdani

The 34-year-old socialist mayor of New York City who has proposed several changes to the city's public education system, including axing the gifted and talented program, which has faced criticism for not admitting many Black and Latino students.

Poly Prep Country Day School

A private school in New York City that charged $71,852 in grade 12 tuition for the 2026-27 school year.

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What they’re saying

“The numbers are what the numbers are, and they're looking for a stellar education for their children and they're willing to pay what's necessary to secure that experience.”

— Barbara Scott, Executive Director, Parents League of New York (Bloomberg)

“We're not talking about going to the Statue of Liberty or the Metropolitan Museum of Art. We are talking about going to that eighth grade trip to Washington for three days, or that trip to the Freedom Trail in Boston when you're a sixth grader, or the ninth grade trip to Europe.”

— Barbara Scott, Executive Director, Parents League of New York (Bloomberg)

“There has been 'definite sticker shock for some families' this year.”

— Sharon Decker, Education Consultant, The Admissions Plan (Bloomberg)

What’s next

The new mayor's administration has promised to make significant changes to the New York City public school system, including integrating the schools and potentially eliminating the gifted and talented program. These proposed reforms are likely to drive more families to consider private school options, further exacerbating the affordability crisis.

The takeaway

The soaring private school tuition in New York City reflects the growing divide in educational opportunities, as quality education becomes increasingly out of reach for middle-class and lower-income families. This trend raises concerns about the long-term impact on social mobility and the potential for further segregation within the education system, as families with means seek alternatives to the public school system.