Is private school cheaper in Des Moines or Thornton?

Des Moines has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $13,100/year in Thornton. That's $6,200/year less, or $80,600 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Des Moines is $6,200/year less than Thornton. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $80,600 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $4,800/year in Des Moines, $8,500/year in Thornton.

How do Des Moines and Thornton 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). Thornton averages $13,100/year ($750 above average).

Private School Cost: Des Moines vs Thornton

Des Moines averages $6,200/year less for private school (90% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $80,600 per child.

Bottom Line

Des Moines is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $13,100/year in Thornton. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Des Moines

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Thornton

$13,100

avg tuition/year

$750 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Des Moines	Thornton	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$6,900/yr	$13,100/yr	-$6,200
Religious Schools	$4,800/yr	$8,500/yr	-$3,700
Independent/Prep	$14,400/yr	$25,700/yr	-$11,300
Elementary (K-5)	$5,900/yr	$11,100/yr	-$5,200
Middle School (6-8)	$6,900/yr	$13,100/yr	-$6,200
High School (9-12)	$8,300/yr	$15,700/yr	-$7,400

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Des Moines

$89,700

Thornton

$170,300

Choosing Des Moines saves $80,600 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $161,200.

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

Thornton

Thornton Christian Academy

Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr

St. Pius X Catholic School (Thornton)

Catholic · K–8 · $8,400-$10,200/yr

Full Des Moines breakdown → Full Thornton breakdown →

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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.