Private School Cost: Anchorage vs Simi Valley
Anchorage averages $5,300/year less for private school (45% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $68,900 per child.
Bottom Line
Anchorage is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,900/year vs $17,200/year in Simi Valley. Religious schools run $7,900/year on the low end.
Anchorage
AK
$11,900
avg tuition/year
Simi Valley
CA
$17,200
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Anchorage | Simi Valley | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $11,900/yr | $17,200/yr | -$5,300 |
| Religious Schools | $7,900/yr | $11,200/yr | -$3,300 |
| Independent/Prep | $21,500/yr | $33,600/yr | -$12,100 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $10,100/yr | $14,600/yr | -$4,500 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $11,900/yr | $17,200/yr | -$5,300 |
| High School (9-12) | $14,300/yr | $20,600/yr | -$6,300 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Anchorage
$154,700
Simi Valley
$223,600
Choosing Anchorage saves $68,900 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $137,800.
Sample Schools
Anchorage
Pacific Northern Academy
Independent · PK–12 · $14,800/yr
Holy Rosary Academy (Anchorage)
Catholic · PK–8 · $9,600-$11,800/yr
Simi Valley
Notre Dame High School (Sherman Oaks)
Catholic · 9–12 · $21,400/yr
Simi Valley Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/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.