Is private school cheaper in Athens or Seattle?

Athens has lower average private school tuition at $10,100/year vs $24,500/year in Seattle. That's $14,400/year less, or $187,200 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Athens over Seattle?

Average tuition in Athens is $14,400/year less than Seattle. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $187,200 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $7,000/year in Athens, $13,200/year in Seattle.

How do Athens and Seattle private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Athens averages $10,100/year ($2,250 below average). Seattle averages $24,500/year ($12,150 above average).

Private School Cost: Athens vs Seattle

Athens averages $14,400/year less for private school (143% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $187,200 per child.

Bottom Line

Athens is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $10,100/year vs $24,500/year in Seattle. Religious schools run $7,000/year on the low end.

Athens

$10,100

avg tuition/year

$2,250 below national avg

Lower cost

Seattle

$24,500

avg tuition/year

$12,150 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Athens	Seattle	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$10,100/yr	$24,500/yr	-$14,400
Religious Schools	$7,000/yr	$13,200/yr	-$6,200
Independent/Prep	$20,500/yr	$38,000/yr	-$17,500
Elementary (K-5)	$8,600/yr	$20,000/yr	-$11,400
Middle School (6-8)	$10,100/yr	$24,500/yr	-$14,400
High School (9-12)	$12,100/yr	$30,500/yr	-$18,400

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Athens

$131,300

Seattle

$318,500

Choosing Athens saves $187,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $374,400.

Sample Schools

Athens

Athens Academy

Independent · PK–12 · $18,200/yr

Prince Avenue Christian School

Christian · K–12 · $9,800-$12,200/yr

Seattle

University Prep

Independent · 6–12 · $42,800/yr

Northwest School

Independent · 6–12 · $39,400/yr

Seattle Prep

Catholic · 9–12 · $21,200/yr

O'Dea High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $17,800/yr

Full Athens breakdown → Full Seattle breakdown →

Georgia private school costs Washington private school costs

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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.