Private School Cost: Lakeland vs Worcester
Lakeland averages $14,000/year less for private school (146% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $182,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Lakeland is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $9,600/year vs $23,600/year in Worcester. Religious schools run $6,600/year on the low end.
Lakeland
FL
$9,600
avg tuition/year
Worcester
MA
$23,600
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Lakeland | Worcester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $9,600/yr | $23,600/yr | -$14,000 |
| Religious Schools | $6,600/yr | $12,800/yr | -$6,200 |
| Independent/Prep | $19,800/yr | $48,100/yr | -$28,300 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $8,200/yr | $20,100/yr | -$11,900 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $9,600/yr | $23,600/yr | -$14,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $11,500/yr | $28,300/yr | -$16,800 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Lakeland
$124,800
Worcester
$306,800
Choosing Lakeland saves $182,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $364,000.
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
Worcester
Holy Name Central Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $13,800/yr
Worcester Academy
Independent · 9–12 · $36,400/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.