Private School Cost: Milwaukee vs Thornton
Milwaukee averages $1,900/year less for private school (17% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $24,700 per child.
Bottom Line
Milwaukee is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,200/year vs $13,100/year in Thornton. Religious schools run $7,400/year on the low end.
Milwaukee
WI
$11,200
avg tuition/year
Thornton
CO
$13,100
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Milwaukee | Thornton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $11,200/yr | $13,100/yr | -$1,900 |
| Religious Schools | $7,400/yr | $8,500/yr | -$1,100 |
| Independent/Prep | $21,000/yr | $25,700/yr | -$4,700 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $9,200/yr | $11,100/yr | -$1,900 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $11,200/yr | $13,100/yr | -$1,900 |
| High School (9-12) | $13,800/yr | $15,700/yr | -$1,900 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Milwaukee
$145,600
Thornton
$170,300
Choosing Milwaukee saves $24,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $49,400.
Sample Schools
Milwaukee
University School of Milwaukee
Independent · PK–12 · $22,800-$25,200/yr
Milwaukee University School
Independent · PK–12 · $21,400/yr
Marquette University High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $14,800/yr
Divine Savior Holy Angels High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $13,200/yr
Thornton
Thornton Christian Academy
Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr
St. Pius X Catholic School (Thornton)
Catholic · K–8 · $8,400-$10,200/yr
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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.