Is private school cheaper in Modesto or Santa Clarita?

Modesto has lower average private school tuition at $14,400/year vs $18,000/year in Santa Clarita. That's $3,600/year less, or $46,800 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Modesto over Santa Clarita?

Average tuition in Modesto is $3,600/year less than Santa Clarita. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $46,800 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $9,400/year in Modesto, $11,700/year in Santa Clarita.

How do Modesto and Santa Clarita private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Modesto averages $14,400/year ($2,050 above average). Santa Clarita averages $18,000/year ($5,650 above average).

Private School Cost: Modesto vs Santa Clarita

Modesto averages $3,600/year less for private school (25% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $46,800 per child.

Bottom Line

Modesto is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $14,400/year vs $18,000/year in Santa Clarita. Religious schools run $9,400/year on the low end.

Modesto

$14,400

avg tuition/year

$2,050 above national avg

Lower cost

Santa Clarita

$18,000

avg tuition/year

$5,650 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Modesto	Santa Clarita	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$14,400/yr	$18,000/yr	-$3,600
Religious Schools	$9,400/yr	$11,700/yr	-$2,300
Independent/Prep	$28,100/yr	$35,100/yr	-$7,000
Elementary (K-5)	$12,200/yr	$15,300/yr	-$3,100
Middle School (6-8)	$14,400/yr	$18,000/yr	-$3,600
High School (9-12)	$17,300/yr	$21,600/yr	-$4,300

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Modesto

$187,200

Santa Clarita

$234,000

Choosing Modesto saves $46,800 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $93,600.

Sample Schools

Modesto

Central Catholic High School (Modesto)

Catholic · 9–12 · $11,200/yr

Modesto Christian School

Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr

Santa Clarita

The Masters School (Santa Clarita)

Christian · K–12 · $14,800/yr

West Ranch Academy

Independent · 9–12 · $12,400/yr

Full Modesto breakdown → Full Santa Clarita breakdown →

California private school costs

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.