Private School Cost: Bridgeport vs Hartford
Bridgeport averages $4,900/year less for private school (21% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $63,700 per child.
Bottom Line
Bridgeport is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $23,100/year vs $28,000/year in Hartford. Religious schools run $12,700/year on the low end.
Bridgeport
CT
$23,100
avg tuition/year
Hartford
CT
$28,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Bridgeport | Hartford | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $23,100/yr | $28,000/yr | -$4,900 |
| Religious Schools | $12,700/yr | $15,800/yr | -$3,100 |
| Independent/Prep | $45,900/yr | $44,500/yr | +$1,400 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $19,600/yr | $22,800/yr | -$3,200 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $23,100/yr | $28,000/yr | -$4,900 |
| High School (9-12) | $27,700/yr | $35,000/yr | -$7,300 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Bridgeport
$300,300
Hartford
$364,000
Choosing Bridgeport saves $63,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $127,400.
Sample Schools
Bridgeport
Fairfield Prep
Catholic · 9–12 · $22,800/yr
Academy of Our Lady of Mercy
Catholic · PK–12 · $14,800/yr
Hartford
Kingswood Oxford School
Independent · 6–12 · $44,800-$47,200/yr
Loomis Chaffee School
Independent (Day) · 9–12 · $48,200/yr
Watkinson School
Independent · 6–12 · $36,800/yr
Northwest Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,800/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.