Is private school cheaper in Frederick or Palmdale?

Palmdale has lower average private school tuition at $14,900/year vs $16,700/year in Frederick. That's $1,800/year less, or $23,400 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Palmdale is $1,800/year less than Frederick. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $23,400 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $11,300/year in Frederick, $9,700/year in Palmdale.

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

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Frederick averages $16,700/year ($4,350 above average). Palmdale averages $14,900/year ($2,550 above average).

Private School Cost: Frederick vs Palmdale

Palmdale averages $1,800/year less for private school (12% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $23,400 per child.

Bottom Line

Palmdale is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $14,900/year vs $16,700/year in Frederick. Religious schools run $9,700/year on the low end.

Frederick

$16,700

avg tuition/year

$4,350 above national avg

Palmdale

$14,900

avg tuition/year

$2,550 above national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Frederick	Palmdale	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$16,700/yr	$14,900/yr	+$1,800
Religious Schools	$11,300/yr	$9,700/yr	+$1,600
Independent/Prep	$35,100/yr	$29,000/yr	+$6,100
Elementary (K-5)	$14,200/yr	$12,700/yr	+$1,500
Middle School (6-8)	$16,700/yr	$14,900/yr	+$1,800
High School (9-12)	$20,000/yr	$17,900/yr	+$2,100

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Frederick

$217,100

Palmdale

$193,700

Choosing Palmdale saves $23,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $46,800.

Sample Schools

Frederick

Frederick Classical Charter School (Private Prep)

Independent · K–12 · $11,200/yr

Visitation Academy (Frederick MD)

Catholic · PK–8 · $12,400/yr

Palmdale

Palmdale Aerospace Academy (Private)

Independent · K–12 · $10,200/yr

St. Mary School (Palmdale)

Catholic · K–8 · $8,200-$9,800/yr

Full Frederick breakdown → Full Palmdale breakdown →

Maryland private school costs California 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.