Private School Cost: Lakeland vs Orlando
Lakeland averages $1,400/year less for private school (15% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $18,200 per child.
Bottom Line
Lakeland is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $9,600/year vs $11,000/year in Orlando. Religious schools run $6,600/year on the low end.
Lakeland
FL
$9,600
avg tuition/year
Orlando
FL
$11,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Lakeland | Orlando | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $9,600/yr | $11,000/yr | -$1,400 |
| Religious Schools | $6,600/yr | $7,600/yr | -$1,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $19,800/yr | $22,600/yr | -$2,800 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $8,200/yr | $9,400/yr | -$1,200 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $9,600/yr | $11,000/yr | -$1,400 |
| High School (9-12) | $11,500/yr | $13,200/yr | -$1,700 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Lakeland
$124,800
Orlando
$143,000
Choosing Lakeland saves $18,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $36,400.
Sample Schools
Lakeland
All Saints Academy (Lakeland)
Catholic · PK–12 · $13,800/yr
Victory Christian School (Lakeland)
Christian · K–12 · $9,400-$11,800/yr
Orlando
The First Academy (Orlando)
Christian · PK–12 · $16,800/yr
Lake Highland Preparatory School
Independent · PK–12 · $23,400/yr
Bishop Moore Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $14,200/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.