What private school costs beyond tuition

Separate included costs from extra charges

Schools package fees differently. One quote may include meals and annual fees while another lists them separately. Do not add a charge twice. Ask admissions to mark each item as included, required extra, or optional.

• Application, testing, enrollment, and re-enrollment charges
• Lunch, uniforms, transport, and school supplies
• Before-school or after-school care
• Trips, athletics, arts, technology, and tutoring

Compare the same grade and schedule

A tuition range may mix part-time pre-K, full-day elementary, and high school. Sibling or parishioner rates may have conditions. Our profiles label the source year and explain what the range includes. Use the exact quote for your child in the calculator.

Check the school-aid number again after TEFA

Texas guidance allows schools to consider TEFA when determining need-based aid. A previous aid offer may change. Get a final written estimate instead of assuming the full voucher and full earlier aid award can both be subtracted.

Separate the annual total from cash timing

Dividing annual cost by 12 is a budgeting exercise. A school may require deposits or tuition sooner. Ask for its payment schedule, refund terms, installment fees, and approach to TEFA payment dates.

• When is the first payment due?
• Will the school wait for confirmed voucher installments?
• Which expenses must the family pay directly?