Private School Cost: Alexandria vs Allentown
Allentown averages $5,800/year less for private school (45% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $75,400 per child.
Bottom Line
Allentown is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,000/year vs $18,800/year in Alexandria. Religious schools run $8,300/year on the low end.
Alexandria
VA
$18,800
avg tuition/year
Allentown
PA
$13,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Alexandria | Allentown | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $18,800/yr | $13,000/yr | +$5,800 |
| Religious Schools | $12,900/yr | $8,300/yr | +$4,600 |
| Independent/Prep | $37,600/yr | $30,200/yr | +$7,400 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $16,000/yr | $11,100/yr | +$4,900 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $18,800/yr | $13,000/yr | +$5,800 |
| High School (9-12) | $22,600/yr | $15,600/yr | +$7,000 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Alexandria
$244,400
Allentown
$169,000
Choosing Allentown saves $75,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $150,800.
Sample Schools
Alexandria
Episcopal High School (Alexandria VA)
Independent (Episcopal) · 9–12 · $65,800/yr
Bishop Ireton High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $18,400/yr
Allentown
Lehigh Valley Academy (Allentown)
Independent · K–12 · $10,800-$13,400/yr
Central Catholic High School (Allentown)
Catholic · 9–12 · $14,400/yr
About This Comparison
This comparison uses NCES Private School Universe Survey data, adjusted for metro-level cost-of-living differences. "Average tuition" blends religious schools (Catholic, Christian) and independent day/prep schools. Religious schools typically cost 60-70% less than independent schools in the same city.
Grade-level estimates (elementary, middle, high) are derived from the city average using national grade-level multipliers. High school tuition typically runs 15-25% above the city average; elementary runs 10-20% below.