Private School Cost: Bend vs Lakewood
Bend averages $300/year less for private school (2% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $3,900 per child.
Bottom Line
Bend is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,100/year vs $13,400/year in Lakewood. Religious schools run $8,700/year on the low end.
Bend
OR
$13,100
avg tuition/year
Lakewood
CO
$13,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Bend | Lakewood | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $13,100/yr | $13,400/yr | -$300 |
| Religious Schools | $8,900/yr | $8,700/yr | +$200 |
| Independent/Prep | $26,500/yr | $26,500/yr | Same |
| Elementary (K-5) | $11,100/yr | $11,400/yr | -$300 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $13,100/yr | $13,400/yr | -$300 |
| High School (9-12) | $15,700/yr | $16,100/yr | -$400 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Bend
$170,300
Lakewood
$174,200
Choosing Bend saves $3,900 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $7,800.
Sample Schools
Bend
Summit High School (Private Prep)
Independent · 9–12 · $12,800/yr
Cascade Christian High School (Bend)
Christian · 9–12 · $9,800-$12,200/yr
Lakewood
Colorado Academy (Lakewood area)
Independent · PK–12 · $22,400/yr
Chatfield Christian Academy
Christian · K–12 · $9,800-$12,200/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.