Is private school cheaper in Lakewood or Simi Valley?

Lakewood has lower average private school tuition at $13,400/year vs $17,200/year in Simi Valley. That's $3,800/year less, or $49,400 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Lakewood is $3,800/year less than Simi Valley. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $49,400 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $8,700/year in Lakewood, $11,200/year in Simi Valley.

How do Lakewood and Simi Valley 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). Simi Valley averages $17,200/year ($4,850 above average).

Private School Cost: Lakewood vs Simi Valley

Lakewood averages $3,800/year less for private school (28% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $49,400 per child.

Bottom Line

Lakewood is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,400/year vs $17,200/year in Simi Valley. Religious schools run $8,700/year on the low end.

Lakewood

$13,400

avg tuition/year

$1,050 above national avg

Lower cost

Simi Valley

$17,200

avg tuition/year

$4,850 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Lakewood	Simi Valley	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$13,400/yr	$17,200/yr	-$3,800
Religious Schools	$8,700/yr	$11,200/yr	-$2,500
Independent/Prep	$26,500/yr	$33,600/yr	-$7,100
Elementary (K-5)	$11,400/yr	$14,600/yr	-$3,200
Middle School (6-8)	$13,400/yr	$17,200/yr	-$3,800
High School (9-12)	$16,100/yr	$20,600/yr	-$4,500

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Lakewood

$174,200

Simi Valley

$223,600

Choosing Lakewood saves $49,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $98,800.

Sample Schools

Lakewood

Colorado Academy (Lakewood area)

Independent · PK–12 · $22,400/yr

Chatfield Christian Academy

Christian · K–12 · $9,800-$12,200/yr

Simi Valley

Notre Dame High School (Sherman Oaks)

Catholic · 9–12 · $21,400/yr

Simi Valley Christian School

Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr

Full Lakewood breakdown → Full Simi Valley breakdown →

Colorado private school costs California 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.