Is private school cheaper in Lakewood or Pasadena?

Pasadena has lower average private school tuition at $11,200/year vs $13,400/year in Lakewood. That's $2,200/year less, or $28,600 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Pasadena over Lakewood?

Average tuition in Pasadena is $2,200/year less than Lakewood. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $28,600 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $8,700/year in Lakewood, $7,600/year in Pasadena.

How do Lakewood and Pasadena private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Lakewood averages $13,400/year ($1,050 above average). Pasadena averages $11,200/year ($1,150 below average).

Private School Cost: Lakewood vs Pasadena

Pasadena averages $2,200/year less for private school (20% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $28,600 per child.

Bottom Line

Pasadena is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,200/year vs $13,400/year in Lakewood. Religious schools run $7,600/year on the low end.

Lakewood

$13,400

avg tuition/year

$1,050 above national avg

Pasadena

$11,200

avg tuition/year

$1,150 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Lakewood	Pasadena	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$13,400/yr	$11,200/yr	+$2,200
Religious Schools	$8,700/yr	$7,600/yr	+$1,100
Independent/Prep	$26,500/yr	$23,700/yr	+$2,800
Elementary (K-5)	$11,400/yr	$9,500/yr	+$1,900
Middle School (6-8)	$13,400/yr	$11,200/yr	+$2,200
High School (9-12)	$16,100/yr	$13,400/yr	+$2,700

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Lakewood

$174,200

Pasadena

$145,600

Choosing Pasadena saves $28,600 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $57,200.

Sample Schools

Lakewood

Colorado Academy (Lakewood area)

Independent · PK–12 · $22,400/yr

Chatfield Christian Academy

Christian · K–12 · $9,800-$12,200/yr

Pasadena

San Jacinto Christian Academy

Christian · K–12 · $8,400-$10,200/yr

Blessed Sacrament School (Pasadena)

Catholic · K–8 · $7,800-$9,400/yr

Full Lakewood breakdown → Full Pasadena breakdown →

Colorado private school costs Texas 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.