Is private school cheaper in Clearwater or Lakewood?

Clearwater has lower average private school tuition at $10,200/year vs $13,400/year in Lakewood. That's $3,200/year less, or $41,600 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Clearwater over Lakewood?

Average tuition in Clearwater is $3,200/year less than Lakewood. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $41,600 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $7,100/year in Clearwater, $8,700/year in Lakewood.

How do Clearwater and Lakewood private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Clearwater averages $10,200/year ($2,150 below average). Lakewood averages $13,400/year ($1,050 above average).

Private School Cost: Clearwater vs Lakewood

Clearwater averages $3,200/year less for private school (31% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $41,600 per child.

Bottom Line

Clearwater is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $10,200/year vs $13,400/year in Lakewood. Religious schools run $7,100/year on the low end.

Clearwater

$10,200

avg tuition/year

$2,150 below national avg

Lower cost

Lakewood

$13,400

avg tuition/year

$1,050 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Clearwater	Lakewood	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$10,200/yr	$13,400/yr	-$3,200
Religious Schools	$7,100/yr	$8,700/yr	-$1,600
Independent/Prep	$21,100/yr	$26,500/yr	-$5,400
Elementary (K-5)	$8,700/yr	$11,400/yr	-$2,700
Middle School (6-8)	$10,200/yr	$13,400/yr	-$3,200
High School (9-12)	$12,200/yr	$16,100/yr	-$3,900

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Clearwater

$132,600

Lakewood

$174,200

Choosing Clearwater saves $41,600 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $83,200.

Sample Schools

Clearwater

Calvary Christian Academy (Clearwater)

Christian · PK–12 · $10,400-$12,800/yr

Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy

Independent (Episcopal) · PK–12 · $14,200/yr

Lakewood

Colorado Academy (Lakewood area)

Independent · PK–12 · $22,400/yr

Chatfield Christian Academy

Christian · K–12 · $9,800-$12,200/yr

Full Clearwater breakdown → Full Lakewood breakdown →

Florida private school costs Colorado private school costs

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.