Private School Cost: Centennial vs Tacoma
Both cities average about the same for private school tuition.
Bottom Line
Both cities average around $13,700/year for private school. The difference shows up in school type: religious schools are much cheaper than independent prep.
Centennial
CO
$13,700
avg tuition/year
Tacoma
WA
$13,700
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Centennial | Tacoma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $13,700/yr | $13,700/yr | Same |
| Religious Schools | $8,900/yr | $9,400/yr | -$500 |
| Independent/Prep | $27,000/yr | $29,400/yr | -$2,400 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $11,600/yr | $11,600/yr | Same |
| Middle School (6-8) | $13,700/yr | $13,700/yr | Same |
| High School (9-12) | $16,400/yr | $16,400/yr | Same |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Centennial
$178,100
Tacoma
$178,100
Sample Schools
Centennial
Arapahoe Christian Academy
Christian · K–12 · $10,400-$12,800/yr
Cherry Creek Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $9,800-$12,200/yr
Tacoma
Charles Wright Academy
Independent · PK–12 · $28,400/yr
Bellarmine Preparatory School
Catholic · 9–12 · $18,400/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.