Is private school cheaper in Grand Rapids or Simi Valley?

Grand Rapids has lower average private school tuition at $9,300/year vs $17,200/year in Simi Valley. That's $7,900/year less, or $102,700 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Grand Rapids over Simi Valley?

Average tuition in Grand Rapids is $7,900/year less than Simi Valley. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $102,700 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $6,400/year in Grand Rapids, $11,200/year in Simi Valley.

How do Grand Rapids and Simi Valley private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Grand Rapids averages $9,300/year ($3,050 below average). Simi Valley averages $17,200/year ($4,850 above average).

Private School Cost: Grand Rapids vs Simi Valley

Grand Rapids averages $7,900/year less for private school (85% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $102,700 per child.

Bottom Line

Grand Rapids is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $9,300/year vs $17,200/year in Simi Valley. Religious schools run $6,400/year on the low end.

Grand Rapids

$9,300

avg tuition/year

$3,050 below national avg

Lower cost

Simi Valley

$17,200

avg tuition/year

$4,850 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Grand Rapids	Simi Valley	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$9,300/yr	$17,200/yr	-$7,900
Religious Schools	$6,400/yr	$11,200/yr	-$4,800
Independent/Prep	$19,800/yr	$33,600/yr	-$13,800
Elementary (K-5)	$7,900/yr	$14,600/yr	-$6,700
Middle School (6-8)	$9,300/yr	$17,200/yr	-$7,900
High School (9-12)	$11,200/yr	$20,600/yr	-$9,400

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Grand Rapids

$120,900

Simi Valley

$223,600

Choosing Grand Rapids saves $102,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $205,400.

Sample Schools

Grand Rapids

West Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $11,400/yr

Christian High School (Grand Rapids)

Christian · 9–12 · $11,200/yr

Northpointe Christian Schools

Christian · PK–12 · $10,400-$12,800/yr

Simi Valley

Notre Dame High School (Sherman Oaks)

Catholic · 9–12 · $21,400/yr

Simi Valley Christian School

Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr

Full Grand Rapids breakdown → Full Simi Valley breakdown →

Michigan 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.