Private School Cost: Lee's Summit vs Surprise
Lee's Summit averages $900/year less for private school (10% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $11,700 per child.
Bottom Line
Lee's Summit is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,600/year vs $9,500/year in Surprise. Religious schools run $6,100/year on the low end.
Lee's Summit
MO
$8,600
avg tuition/year
Surprise
AZ
$9,500
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Lee's Summit | Surprise | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $8,600/yr | $9,500/yr | -$900 |
| Religious Schools | $6,100/yr | $7,100/yr | -$1,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $20,100/yr | $18,100/yr | +$2,000 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $7,300/yr | $8,100/yr | -$800 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $8,600/yr | $9,500/yr | -$900 |
| High School (9-12) | $10,300/yr | $11,400/yr | -$1,100 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Lee's Summit
$111,800
Surprise
$123,500
Choosing Lee's Summit saves $11,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $23,400.
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
Surprise
Surprise Christian Academy
Christian · K–12 · $8,600-$10,800/yr
Holy Cross School (Surprise AZ)
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.