International School Fees USA: Budget to Premium

The USA (New York, California, Texas and other states) has private and international schools across a wide fee range – from budget to premium. This guide gives fee ranges and example schools so you can make an informed choice. Note: many US schools follow American curriculum; IB and British options exist in select schools.

Quick overview of fee ranges (annual tuition, indicative, day schools)

• Budget: Roughly USD 12,000–22,000 per year (elementary). Smaller private or faith-based schools.
• Mid-tier: Roughly USD 28,000–42,000 per year (elementary). Established private schools, good facilities.
• Premium: Roughly USD 48,000–65,000+ per year (elementary). Top private and international schools, strong college placement.

Middle and high school are typically higher. New York and California tend to be at the upper end.

Budget end: example schools and fees

Smaller private schools and parochial schools can sit in the budget band. Elementary often USD 14,000–22,000 per year. Check each school’s latest fee schedule.

Mid-tier: example schools and fees

International School of Los Angeles (LILA), British International School of Houston and Washington International School (WIS) are mid-tier examples. Elementary often USD 30,000–42,000; high school/IB can be USD 42,000–52,000. Strong IB or dual curriculum.

Premium: example schools and fees

Avenues: The World School, Lycée Français de New York and Dwight School New York sit at the premium end. Elementary can be USD 52,000–62,000 and high school/IB USD 58,000–68,000+. Extensive facilities and university placement.

What to watch beyond tuition

• Application and enrolment fees (one-off; can be USD 500–2,000+).
• Learning support and EAL – often extra; can add USD 3,000–12,000+ per year.
• Standardised tests (SAT, ACT, AP exams) – often family-paid; budget USD 500–2,000+ in high school.
• Trips, after-school and college counselling – may be extra.

See our Hidden International School Fees – MUST READ for a full checklist.

How to choose

• Decide budget band, state/city and curriculum (American, IB, British); get full fee schedules (tuition + one-off and annual extras).
• Compare total cost over 3–5 years and fee progression by grade.
• Ask what is included vs add-on (support, trips, exams, counselling).

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