Private school tuition in the US is reaching unprecedented levels, with some institutions charging more than $70,000 per year. Despite the high cost, families continue to enrol their children in these schools, citing academic quality, community, and specialised programs as key reasons.In San Francisco, roughly one in three students attends private school, far above the statewide average of 7.8%, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Many parents in the Bay Area still choose private options even without lottery pressures from the SFUSD system. Marin County reports 18% private school attendance, San Mateo 17%, Alameda 10%, and Contra Costa 8%, according to the Chronicle.Why families make private school work financiallyRichard Pon, a certified public accountant and financial planner in San Francisco, said families typically pay $10,000 to $20,000 annually for religious private schools and $25,000 to $50,000 for other private institutions, as quoted by the San Francisco Chronicle. Andy Orion, a Realtor in Los Altos, predicted some elite private schools will soon exceed $100,000 in annual tuition, noting that parents will increasingly question its value, as reported by the Chronicle.Families report various financial sacrifices. One parent wrote to the San Francisco Chronicle that they live in a starter condo and cannot move due to tuition costs. Others noted pausing retirement contributions, reducing travel, and working long hours to afford fees. Grandparents sometimes contribute, and some schools offer financial aid or sibling discounts. The California Association of Independent Schools reported giving over $480 million in aid to roughly 23,000 students in 2024–25, averaging more than $20,000 per student, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle.Academic, emotional, and practical factorsParents often cite personalised instruction, flexible curriculums, and smaller class sizes as advantages. Shane Curnyn of San Francisco said he “fell in love” with his daughter’s K–8 school and appreciated the supportive community, quoted by the San Francisco Chronicle. Families also point to college preparation, although admissions experts note that attending private school does not guarantee entry to elite universities, as reported by the Chronicle.Public school considerations and trade-offsSome parents initially chose public schools but switched due to bullying, curriculum changes, or lack of available programs. Stephanie Haumueller moved her son to St. Ignatius after concerns about safety, saying the financial sacrifices were “OK” given the school’s support, quoted by the San Francisco Chronicle. Others cited lost community connections and the impact on savings and home purchases as consequences of private school tuition, reported by the Chronicle.Educators emphasise that private school decisions involve balancing family needs, child development, and financial considerations. Tolani Britton, associate professor at UC Berkeley, noted that parents are making choices based on what they believe is best for their child, even if it diverges from broader public school ideals, as quoted by the San Francisco Chronicle.
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