Private School Cost: Atlanta vs Missoula
Missoula averages $7,200/year less for private school (90% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $93,600 per child.
Bottom Line
Missoula is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,000/year vs $15,200/year in Atlanta. Religious schools run $5,400/year on the low end.
Atlanta
GA
$15,200
avg tuition/year
Missoula
MT
$8,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Atlanta | Missoula | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $15,200/yr | $8,000/yr | +$7,200 |
| Religious Schools | $9,400/yr | $5,400/yr | +$4,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $28,500/yr | $15,500/yr | +$13,000 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $12,500/yr | $6,800/yr | +$5,700 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $15,200/yr | $8,000/yr | +$7,200 |
| High School (9-12) | $18,800/yr | $9,600/yr | +$9,200 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Atlanta
$197,600
Missoula
$104,000
Choosing Missoula saves $93,600 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $187,200.
Sample Schools
Atlanta
The Westminster Schools
Independent · 1–12 · $35,800-$38,400/yr
Pace Academy
Independent · K–12 · $34,200/yr
Lovett School
Independent · K–12 · $33,600/yr
Marist School Atlanta
Catholic · 7–12 · $19,400/yr
Missoula
Loyola Sacred Heart High School (Missoula)
Catholic · 9–12 · $9,200/yr
Montana Academy (Missoula area)
Independent (Therapeutic) · 9–12 · $44,800-$52,000/yr
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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.