Understanding Private School Tuition
Everything You Need to Know about Tuition Costs, Financial Aid, and Value in Baltimore
Choosing a private school education for your child and selecting the right school for your family can be both exciting and challenging. On one hand, private schools offer unique advantages—smaller classes, individualized attention, specialized programs, and communities that align with your values. On the other hand, the cost can feel overwhelming, especially when considering long-term financial goals, such as retirement or saving for college.
In this post, we’ll explore the long-term benefits of private school education, from strong college preparation to lifelong connections. We’ll also walk through practical steps for evaluating affordability, highlight financial aid and scholarship opportunities, and share tips for navigating the application process. With this guidance, you can make a decision that feels right for your family both now and in the future.
Is a private school worth the cost?
This decision is deeply personal. What feels “worth it” depends on your family’s priorities, your child’s needs, and your financial comfort zone; however, private or independent schools tend to stand out in multiple ways that appeal to families. For example:
- Smaller class sizes and individualized learning
- With about 15 students in a class (compared to 25 or more in many public schools), teachers can really get to know each child. That means more one-on-one attention and stronger teacher-student relationships.
- Specialized curriculum and resources
- Private schools often offer programs you won’t always find elsewhere—like advanced STEM, rich arts and music, foreign language studies, and hands-on learning experiences. They may also have impressive facilities, including science labs, auditoriums, and athletic fields. Many private schools, such as Calvert, offer opportunities that foster leadership and character development.
- Aligned values and community culture
- Private schools set their own standards for behavior and community values. For many families, this means finding a school culture or mission that feels like the right fit—whether that’s academic focus, faith-based values, or a particular approach to learning.
How can I determine if our family can afford private school?
Review your household budget. Take a look at your monthly income and fixed expenses, such as mortgage or rent, utilities, groceries, and debt. Subtract discretionary spending to see what’s realistically available for tuition, and remember to factor in other savings goals, like retirement, an emergency fund, college costs, and any future plans.
Decide on a comfortable spending limit and factor in the potential for financial assistance. Many private schools offer need-based aid, so be sure to ask how many students receive aid and the average award amount. At Calvert, Director of Finance Tom Travers is an exceptional resource for these questions and guide for the financial assistance application process.
How much do private elementary schools cost in Baltimore?
The cost of private elementary school in Baltimore can vary widely. Many factors can influence cost, so it is essential to consider which aspects are most important to your family. Also, compare what is included in the tuition cost — such as uniforms, transportation, computers, and other school supplies.
At Calvert, tuition fees cover far more than traditional expenses, providing families with a clearer financial forecast and more opportunities to plan while offering significant savings. From Fifth Age to Eighth Grade, tuition includes daily lunch and snacks, school supplies, textbooks, workbooks, and more. Beginning in Ninth Age, all students are also provided with a laptop. Parents are not billed additionally for any of these expenses.
At Calvert, tuition fees cover far more than traditional expenses, providing families with a clearer financial forecast and more opportunities to plan while offering significant savings. From Fifth Age to Eighth Grade, tuition includes daily lunch and snacks, school supplies, textbooks, workbooks, and more. Beginning in Ninth Age, all students are also provided with a laptop. Parents are not billed additionally for any of these expenses.
What percentage of families receive financial aid at private schools?
The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), which represents 1,299 independent schools, reports that a median of 28% of students at NAIS member schools receive some form of financial aid. Among students who receive financial aid, the median award is $20,912 per recipient. Student recipient percentages can vary widely by school and by region of the United States.
At Calvert, roughly 33% of students receive need-based financial aid, with the average award amounting to 47% of tuition or around $12,200. Calvert allocates $2.3 million annually to aid packages.
What financial documents are required for private elementary school financial aid applications?
When you apply for private school financial aid, schools will ask for documents that show a full picture of your family’s finances. Getting these documents together ahead of time makes the process easier and can help you qualify for the maximum eligible aid, based on the school's guidelines. Learn more here.
What questions should I ask each school about financial aid?
Preparing your questions ahead of time can help you stay focused, gather all the information you need, and compare schools more easily. Here are a few to get you started:
- What types of financial aid do you offer (need-based, merit-based, scholarships, sibling discounts)?
- When is the financial aid deadline, and is it earlier than the admissions deadline?
- What percentage of students here receive aid, and what’s the average award?
- Do I need to reapply for aid every year?
- How does the school handle aid if our financial situation changes mid-year?
Calvert School is a coed independent lower and middle school.
