Private School Cost: Bend vs Thornton
Both cities average about the same for private school tuition.
Bottom Line
Both cities average around $13,100/year for private school. The difference shows up in school type: religious schools are much cheaper than independent prep.
Bend
OR
$13,100
avg tuition/year
Thornton
CO
$13,100
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Bend | Thornton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $13,100/yr | $13,100/yr | Same |
| Religious Schools | $8,900/yr | $8,500/yr | +$400 |
| Independent/Prep | $26,500/yr | $25,700/yr | +$800 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $11,100/yr | $11,100/yr | Same |
| Middle School (6-8) | $13,100/yr | $13,100/yr | Same |
| High School (9-12) | $15,700/yr | $15,700/yr | Same |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Bend
$170,300
Thornton
$170,300
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
Thornton
Thornton Christian Academy
Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr
St. Pius X Catholic School (Thornton)
Catholic · K–8 · $8,400-$10,200/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.