Private School Cost: Lee's Summit vs Sterling Heights
Lee's Summit averages $700/year less for private school (8% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $9,100 per child.
Bottom Line
Lee's Summit is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,600/year vs $9,300/year in Sterling Heights. Religious schools run $6,100/year on the low end.
Lee's Summit
MO
$8,600
avg tuition/year
Sterling Heights
MI
$9,300
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Lee's Summit | Sterling Heights | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $8,600/yr | $9,300/yr | -$700 |
| Religious Schools | $6,100/yr | $6,400/yr | -$300 |
| Independent/Prep | $20,100/yr | $19,800/yr | +$300 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $7,300/yr | $7,900/yr | -$600 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $8,600/yr | $9,300/yr | -$700 |
| High School (9-12) | $10,300/yr | $11,200/yr | -$900 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Lee's Summit
$111,800
Sterling Heights
$120,900
Choosing Lee's Summit saves $9,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $18,200.
Sample Schools
Lee's Summit
Summit Christian Academy (Lee's Summit)
Christian · K–12 · $9,800-$12,400/yr
Holy Spirit Catholic School (LSummit)
Catholic · K–8 · $8,400-$10,400/yr
Sterling Heights
De La Salle Collegiate High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $11,800/yr
Utica Community Christian Schools
Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/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.