Why New York private schools cost more than $70K a year

"Avenues: The World School, a 14-year-old school in Chelsea, is the most expensive, with 2026-2027 tuition set at $75,300 for full-time nursery (age two) through grade 12, up about 4% from the current school year. That's $456 per day. It's not alone. Next year, tuition at eight New York City private schools will top $70,000, Bloomberg reported. By comparison, the average tuition of the National Association of Independent Schools' member schools is $33,361 this year. Public school is, of course, free."

"For thousands of parents across the five boroughs, the cost is worth it. Sharon Decker, the cofounder of private school consultancy The Admissions Plan, told Business Insider that she's seen more applications for private schools in the area. "It's getting more and more competitive at the upper tiers," she said. "They're maintaining small class sizes; they're hiring expert faculty; they're offering expansive extracurriculars, and the infrastructure is rivaling a small college.""

Tuition at several elite New York City private schools will exceed $70,000 next year, with Avenues: The World School charging $75,300 for 2026–2027, a roughly 4% increase and $456 per school day. Eight NYC private schools will top $70,000, far above the National Association of Independent Schools member average tuition of $33,361, while public school remains free. Applications to private schools are rising as families prioritize small class sizes, expert faculty, extensive extracurriculars, and college-like infrastructure. Faculty costs, driven by New York City living expenses and higher healthcare and benefits costs, are a major driver of tuition increases.

Read at Business Insider