Private Schools Cost in Denver (2026)
Quick Answer
Estimated rangePrivate school tuition in Denver varies widely by school and year group, but a realistic overall expectation is roughly USD 15,000-40,000 per year, with some schools below and some selective college-preparatory schools above that range. Verified published tuition at named Denver-area private schools shows annual fees from about USD 16,000 to more than USD 40,000 depending on grade level. International student pricing is not usually listed as a separate tuition line for day schools; boarding and visa-related costs, where applicable, can increase the total substantially.
Overview
In Denver, private school costs depend mainly on whether the school is elementary, middle or high school, whether it is faith-based or independent, and whether charges are tuition-only or include extra fees. Published tuition at established Denver private schools commonly sits in the mid-teens to low-forties per academic year. For example, some Catholic and other faith-based schools are typically at the lower end of the private-school market, while independent college-preparatory schools in Denver tend to charge materially more. Families should look beyond headline tuition. Many schools add registration or enrolment deposits, technology fees, books, uniforms, lunch, athletics, field trips or before/after-care. Financial aid and need-based assistance are common in the Denver market, so the amount actually paid can be lower than the sticker price. Most Denver private schools publish annual tuition by grade band rather than a single citywide rate, and prices usually rise each school year. For international families, many Denver day schools do not publish a distinct domestic-versus-international tuition schedule. Instead, total cost differences usually come from application fees, English-language support, document handling and, if relevant, homestay or boarding arrangements. Where a school does not offer boarding, living costs in Denver must be budgeted separately.
What It Costs
| Item | Cost | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Denver private school tuition - typical citywide range(per academic year) Estimated range based on published tuition levels at named Denver-area private schools and typical local market spread by grade level. | ~$15,000 – $40,000 | Estimated range |
| Graland Country Day School tuition(per academic year) Published tuition varies by grade. | ~$33,350 – $41,995 | Estimated range |
| St. Anne's Episcopal School tuition(per academic year) Published tuition varies by programme/grade. | ~$16,350 – $23,650 | Estimated range |
| Denver Academy tuition(per academic year) Published tuition varies by division. | ~$27,495 – $39,995 | Estimated range |
| Mullen High School tuition(per academic year) Published annual tuition for high school; fees may be extra. | ~$19,750 – $19,750 | Estimated range |
| International student premium or separate tuition(per academic year) Estimated additional cost where schools charge international processing, support, or placement-related amounts; many Denver day schools do not publish a separate international tuition rate. | ~$0 – $10,000 | Estimated range |
What’s Typically Included
- Tuition usually covers core classroom instruction
- Some schools include books or lunch, but many charge these separately
- Athletics, arts, transport, uniforms and extended care are often extra
Regulator / licensing: Colorado Department of Education
Variants & Configurations
Duration
Most tuition is charged per academic year, typically covering one school year of about 9-10 months.
How Fees Work
Usually annual tuition, often payable in one sum or instalments; separate application, enrolment, technology, activity or capital fees may apply.
Factors Affecting Price
- Grade level and division, with high school often costing more than lower grades
- School type, especially faith-based versus independent college-preparatory schools
- Whether the published figure includes fees such as technology, books, lunch, uniforms or activities
- Financial aid availability and family eligibility for need-based assistance
- International student support, visa-related administration, and any boarding or homestay needs
Local Context
Denver private school pricing sits above many US city averages at the top end, reflecting demand for established independent schools and the region's cost of living. Tuition is normally quoted before any financial aid. There is no tipping element for school fees, but families should expect additional non-tuition charges and should check whether annual increases, deposits and payment-plan charges apply.
These are data-informed estimate ranges, not confirmed prices.
Costs like this vary widely by job, location, timing and provider, so there is no single fixed price. The ranges here are based on typical market rates to give you a realistic ballpark. For an exact figure for your situation, get a quote or check the official source below.
All figures are in US dollars (USD) and are typically quoted per academic year unless stated otherwise.
Sources & References
Every price on this page is traced to a documented source. Last checked 24 September 2026.
- Colorado Department of Education · government
State education authority for Colorado; useful for school oversight context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of private school in Denver?+
A practical working range is about USD 15,000-40,000 per year, with lower-cost faith-based options and higher-cost independent schools at opposite ends of the market.
Are Denver private school fees charged monthly or yearly?+
Schools normally publish tuition as an annual amount for the academic year, but many allow payment in instalments or monthly plans.
Do Denver private schools charge different tuition for international students?+
Many day schools do not publish a separate international tuition rate. However, international families may face extra costs for application processing, language support, document services, homestay or boarding.
What extra costs should families budget for besides tuition?+
Common extras include application fees, enrolment deposits, uniforms, books, technology charges, lunch, sports, arts, transport, field trips and before/after-school care.
Can tuition be reduced through financial aid?+
Yes. Many Denver private schools offer need-based financial aid, and some also have scholarships or tuition assistance programmes.
Is private high school in Denver more expensive than elementary school?+
Often yes, especially at independent schools, although the exact pricing structure varies by provider and some K-8 schools also charge premium rates.
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Check current prices at the official source
Colorado Department of Education
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