Private School Cost: Fremont vs Lakewood
Lakewood averages $6,700/year less for private school (50% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $87,100 per child.
Bottom Line
Lakewood is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,400/year vs $20,100/year in Fremont. Religious schools run $8,700/year on the low end.
Fremont
CA
$20,100
avg tuition/year
Lakewood
CO
$13,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Fremont | Lakewood | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $20,100/yr | $13,400/yr | +$6,700 |
| Religious Schools | $13,100/yr | $8,700/yr | +$4,400 |
| Independent/Prep | $39,000/yr | $26,500/yr | +$12,500 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $17,100/yr | $11,400/yr | +$5,700 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $20,100/yr | $13,400/yr | +$6,700 |
| High School (9-12) | $24,100/yr | $16,100/yr | +$8,000 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Fremont
$261,300
Lakewood
$174,200
Choosing Lakewood saves $87,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $174,200.
Sample Schools
Fremont
Mission San Jose High School (Private)
Independent · 9–12 · $22,400/yr
Fremont Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $14,800-$17,200/yr
Lakewood
Colorado Academy (Lakewood area)
Independent · PK–12 · $22,400/yr
Chatfield Christian Academy
Christian · K–12 · $9,800-$12,200/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.