Private School Cost: Fontana vs Lakeland
Lakeland averages $5,300/year less for private school (55% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $68,900 per child.
Bottom Line
Lakeland is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $9,600/year vs $14,900/year in Fontana. Religious schools run $6,600/year on the low end.
Fontana
CA
$14,900
avg tuition/year
Lakeland
FL
$9,600
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Fontana | Lakeland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $14,900/yr | $9,600/yr | +$5,300 |
| Religious Schools | $9,700/yr | $6,600/yr | +$3,100 |
| Independent/Prep | $29,000/yr | $19,800/yr | +$9,200 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $12,700/yr | $8,200/yr | +$4,500 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $14,900/yr | $9,600/yr | +$5,300 |
| High School (9-12) | $17,900/yr | $11,500/yr | +$6,400 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Fontana
$193,700
Lakeland
$124,800
Choosing Lakeland saves $68,900 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $137,800.
Sample Schools
Fontana
Fontana Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $8,400-$10,800/yr
St. Joseph School (Fontana)
Catholic · K–8 · $7,600-$9,200/yr
Lakeland
All Saints Academy (Lakeland)
Catholic · PK–12 · $13,800/yr
Victory Christian School (Lakeland)
Christian · K–12 · $9,400-$11,800/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.