Private School Cost: Lakewood vs Phoenix
Both cities average about the same for private school tuition.
Bottom Line
Both cities average around $13,400/year for private school. The difference shows up in school type: religious schools are much cheaper than independent prep.
Lakewood
CO
$13,400
avg tuition/year
Phoenix
AZ
$13,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Lakewood | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $13,400/yr | $13,400/yr | Same |
| Religious Schools | $8,700/yr | $8,600/yr | +$100 |
| Independent/Prep | $26,500/yr | $24,500/yr | +$2,000 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $11,400/yr | $11,000/yr | +$400 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $13,400/yr | $13,400/yr | Same |
| High School (9-12) | $16,100/yr | $16,500/yr | -$400 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Lakewood
$174,200
Phoenix
$174,200
Sample Schools
Lakewood
Colorado Academy (Lakewood area)
Independent · PK–12 · $22,400/yr
Chatfield Christian Academy
Christian · K–12 · $9,800-$12,200/yr
Phoenix
Brophy College Preparatory
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,800/yr
Xavier College Preparatory
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,400/yr
Scottsdale Preparatory Academy
Independent · 6–12 · $12,800-$14,200/yr
Notre Dame Preparatory High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $16,200/yr
Related Comparisons
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.