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Could Skipping Private School Make Your Child a Multi-Millionaire?
We analyzed 3 investment alternatives to private school tuition that could dramatically change your child's financial future.
PJ Bradshaw
February 09, 2025
Dear Upwealth
My husband and I are facing what feels like an impossible choice. Our daughter starts first grade next year, and we've been offered a spot at an excellent private school ($25,000/year). The education looks amazing, but I keep having this nagging thought: What if we invested that money for her instead? Could you show us what those numbers might look like long-term?"
This question challenges conventional wisdom about educational investment. While debates about college ROI are common, let's apply similar analytical thinking to early education decisions. I analyzed three investment scenarios for that $25,000 annual private school tuition, tracking growth through high school graduation, age 35, and retirement. The results are eye-opening.
The Investment Scenarios
1. VOO (S&P 500 ETF) Strategy
This strategy offers broad market diversification through a simple, low-maintenance approach.
By High School Graduation (Age 18):
Total Investment: $300,000
Portfolio Value: $589,000
Key Benefit: Broad market diversification across 500 leading U.S. companies