Private School Cost: Lakewood vs Springfield
Springfield averages $5,700/year less for private school (74% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $74,100 per child.
Bottom Line
Springfield is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $7,700/year vs $13,400/year in Lakewood. Religious schools run $5,500/year on the low end.
Lakewood
CO
$13,400
avg tuition/year
Springfield
MO
$7,700
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Lakewood | Springfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $13,400/yr | $7,700/yr | +$5,700 |
| Religious Schools | $8,700/yr | $5,500/yr | +$3,200 |
| Independent/Prep | $26,500/yr | $18,000/yr | +$8,500 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $11,400/yr | $6,500/yr | +$4,900 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $13,400/yr | $7,700/yr | +$5,700 |
| High School (9-12) | $16,100/yr | $9,200/yr | +$6,900 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Lakewood
$174,200
Springfield
$100,100
Choosing Springfield saves $74,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $148,200.
Sample Schools
Lakewood
Colorado Academy (Lakewood area)
Independent · PK–12 · $22,400/yr
Chatfield Christian Academy
Christian · K–12 · $9,800-$12,200/yr
Springfield
Greenwood Laboratory School (Springfield MO)
Independent · PK–12 · $8,800-$11,200/yr
St. Agnes Cathedral School
Catholic · K–8 · $7,800-$9,600/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.