Private School Cost: Boulder vs Santa Clarita
Boulder averages $2,800/year less for private school (18% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $36,400 per child.
Bottom Line
Boulder is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $15,200/year vs $18,000/year in Santa Clarita. Religious schools run $9,900/year on the low end.
Boulder
CO
$15,200
avg tuition/year
Santa Clarita
CA
$18,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Boulder | Santa Clarita | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $15,200/yr | $18,000/yr | -$2,800 |
| Religious Schools | $9,900/yr | $11,700/yr | -$1,800 |
| Independent/Prep | $29,900/yr | $35,100/yr | -$5,200 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $12,900/yr | $15,300/yr | -$2,400 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $15,200/yr | $18,000/yr | -$2,800 |
| High School (9-12) | $18,200/yr | $21,600/yr | -$3,400 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Boulder
$197,600
Santa Clarita
$234,000
Choosing Boulder saves $36,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $72,800.
Sample Schools
Boulder
Naropa University Lab School
Independent · K–8 · $18,400/yr
Dawson School
Independent · PK–12 · $26,800/yr
Santa Clarita
The Masters School (Santa Clarita)
Christian · K–12 · $14,800/yr
West Ranch Academy
Independent · 9–12 · $12,400/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.