Private School Cost: Arvada vs Charleston
Charleston averages $6,700/year less for private school (105% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $87,100 per child.
Bottom Line
Charleston is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,400/year vs $13,100/year in Arvada. Religious schools run $4,600/year on the low end.
Arvada
CO
$13,100
avg tuition/year
Charleston
WV
$6,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Arvada | Charleston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $13,100/yr | $6,400/yr | +$6,700 |
| Religious Schools | $8,500/yr | $4,600/yr | +$3,900 |
| Independent/Prep | $25,700/yr | $12,800/yr | +$12,900 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $11,100/yr | $5,400/yr | +$5,700 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $13,100/yr | $6,400/yr | +$6,700 |
| High School (9-12) | $15,700/yr | $7,700/yr | +$8,000 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Arvada
$170,300
Charleston
$83,200
Choosing Charleston saves $87,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $174,200.
Sample Schools
Arvada
Ralston Valley Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $9,600-$12,000/yr
Arvada Academy
Independent · K–12 · $10,400/yr
Charleston
Charleston Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $9,200/yr
Liberty Christian Academy (Charleston WV)
Christian · K–12 · $7,800-$9,800/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.