Private School Cost: Honolulu vs Lakewood
Lakewood averages $6,800/year less for private school (51% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $88,400 per child.
Bottom Line
Lakewood is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,400/year vs $20,200/year in Honolulu. Religious schools run $8,700/year on the low end.
Honolulu
HI
$20,200
avg tuition/year
Lakewood
CO
$13,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Honolulu | Lakewood | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $20,200/yr | $13,400/yr | +$6,800 |
| Religious Schools | $12,900/yr | $8,700/yr | +$4,200 |
| Independent/Prep | $37,600/yr | $26,500/yr | +$11,100 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $17,200/yr | $11,400/yr | +$5,800 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $20,200/yr | $13,400/yr | +$6,800 |
| High School (9-12) | $24,200/yr | $16,100/yr | +$8,100 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Honolulu
$262,600
Lakewood
$174,200
Choosing Lakewood saves $88,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $176,800.
Sample Schools
Honolulu
Punahou School
Independent · K–12 · $27,400/yr
Iolani School
Independent (Episcopal) · K–12 · $24,800/yr
Saint Louis School (Honolulu)
Catholic · 9–12 · $13,800/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.