Private School Cost: Dayton vs Montgomery
Montgomery averages $700/year less for private school (9% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $9,100 per child.
Bottom Line
Montgomery is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $7,400/year vs $8,100/year in Dayton. Religious schools run $5,500/year on the low end.
Dayton
OH
$8,100
avg tuition/year
Montgomery
AL
$7,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Dayton | Montgomery | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $8,100/yr | $7,400/yr | +$700 |
| Religious Schools | $5,700/yr | $5,500/yr | +$200 |
| Independent/Prep | $18,700/yr | $15,100/yr | +$3,600 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $6,900/yr | $6,300/yr | +$600 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $8,100/yr | $7,400/yr | +$700 |
| High School (9-12) | $9,700/yr | $8,900/yr | +$800 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Dayton
$105,300
Montgomery
$96,200
Choosing Montgomery saves $9,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $18,200.
Sample Schools
Dayton
Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $11,400/yr
Dayton Christian Schools
Christian · K–12 · $9,600-$12,000/yr
Montgomery
Montgomery Academy
Independent · K–12 · $14,200/yr
Saint James School (Montgomery)
Christian · PK–12 · $12,800/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.