Private School Cost: Bellevue vs Nashville
Nashville averages $4,400/year less for private school (31% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $57,200 per child.
Bottom Line
Nashville is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $14,200/year vs $18,600/year in Bellevue. Religious schools run $8,800/year on the low end.
Bellevue
WA
$18,600
avg tuition/year
Nashville
TN
$14,200
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Bellevue | Nashville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $18,600/yr | $14,200/yr | +$4,400 |
| Religious Schools | $12,700/yr | $8,800/yr | +$3,900 |
| Independent/Prep | $39,700/yr | $26,500/yr | +$13,200 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $15,800/yr | $11,600/yr | +$4,200 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $18,600/yr | $14,200/yr | +$4,400 |
| High School (9-12) | $22,300/yr | $17,500/yr | +$4,800 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Bellevue
$241,800
Nashville
$184,600
Choosing Nashville saves $57,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $114,400.
Sample Schools
Bellevue
The Overlake School
Independent · 5–12 · $37,800/yr
Bellevue Christian School
Christian · PK–12 · $14,200/yr
Bellarmine Preparatory School (Tacoma)
Catholic · 9–12 · $18,400/yr
Nashville
Montgomery Bell Academy
Independent · 7–12 · $29,400/yr
Harpeth Hall School
Independent · 5–12 · $28,800/yr
University School of Nashville
Independent · K–12 · $26,200/yr
Father Ryan High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $16,800/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.