Is private school cheaper in Des Moines or Frederick?

Des Moines has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $16,700/year in Frederick. That's $9,800/year less, or $127,400 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Des Moines over Frederick?

Average tuition in Des Moines is $9,800/year less than Frederick. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $127,400 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $4,800/year in Des Moines, $11,300/year in Frederick.

How do Des Moines and Frederick private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Des Moines averages $6,900/year ($5,450 below average). Frederick averages $16,700/year ($4,350 above average).

Private School Cost: Des Moines vs Frederick

Des Moines averages $9,800/year less for private school (142% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $127,400 per child.

Bottom Line

Des Moines is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $16,700/year in Frederick. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Des Moines

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Frederick

$16,700

avg tuition/year

$4,350 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Des Moines	Frederick	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$6,900/yr	$16,700/yr	-$9,800
Religious Schools	$4,800/yr	$11,300/yr	-$6,500
Independent/Prep	$14,400/yr	$35,100/yr	-$20,700
Elementary (K-5)	$5,900/yr	$14,200/yr	-$8,300
Middle School (6-8)	$6,900/yr	$16,700/yr	-$9,800
High School (9-12)	$8,300/yr	$20,000/yr	-$11,700

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Des Moines

$89,700

Frederick

$217,100

Choosing Des Moines saves $127,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $254,800.

Sample Schools

Des Moines

Dowling Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $10,400/yr

Des Moines Christian School

Christian · PK–12 · $9,600-$12,000/yr

Frederick

Frederick Classical Charter School (Private Prep)

Independent · K–12 · $11,200/yr

Visitation Academy (Frederick MD)

Catholic · PK–8 · $12,400/yr

Full Des Moines breakdown → Full Frederick breakdown →

Iowa private school costs Maryland 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.