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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]The less prestigious schools around here are meant for kids who have not great public schools. I doubt that the $50k/year schools are that much better than your $15-$20k school in your other city. People just make more here so they can afford it. [/quote]
A lot of it is supply and demand, as well as input costs.

As you point out, there is significant demand and limited supply, which combined with a market with the ability to pay drives up tuition costs. But there are also very different cost factors associated with operating an independent school in a high cost area like DC versus a low cost area. Salary and wages would be the most prominent and the biggest input cost for any school. After that, there is possibly other cost factors that drive different expectations that are also associated. Budget needs related to FA to improve diversity are more important for all schools in DC over schools in low cost areas. Programs, such as a broad mix of foreign languages, STEM labs, etc will all be expected and cost more. Item by item, a school in DC is just going to run at a much higher cost factor than a school in Des Moines, IA.

Despite what people imagine, I can guarantee that the schools are very cost conscious and don’t raise tuition without careful consideration of budget and financial needs. The Boards of these schools, where it’s Sidwell, GDS or St Albans, are filled with professionals who care about the schools and their long-term sustainability. They work very hard for no compensation and lend their professional expertise in real estate, law and finance to ensure that these schools stay “elite”. [/quote]

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