Private School Cost: Madison vs Virginia Beach
Madison averages $3,900/year less for private school (42% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $50,700 per child.
Bottom Line
Madison is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $9,300/year vs $13,200/year in Virginia Beach. Religious schools run $6,300/year on the low end.
Madison
WI
$9,300
avg tuition/year
Virginia Beach
VA
$13,200
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Madison | Virginia Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $9,300/yr | $13,200/yr | -$3,900 |
| Religious Schools | $6,300/yr | $8,600/yr | -$2,300 |
| Independent/Prep | $21,100/yr | $24,500/yr | -$3,400 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $7,900/yr | $10,800/yr | -$2,900 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $9,300/yr | $13,200/yr | -$3,900 |
| High School (9-12) | $11,200/yr | $16,200/yr | -$5,000 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Madison
$120,900
Virginia Beach
$171,600
Choosing Madison saves $50,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $101,400.
Sample Schools
Madison
Edgewood Campus School
Catholic · PK–8 · $10,400-$12,800/yr
Edgewood High School of the Sacred Heart
Catholic · 9–12 · $13,200/yr
Virginia Beach
Norfolk Academy
Independent · 1–12 · $24,800-$27,200/yr
Cape Henry Collegiate School
Independent · PK–12 · $22,400-$24,800/yr
Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $13,800/yr
Kellam High School (Public)
Public (Reference) · 9–12
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.