Is private school cheaper in Modesto or Thornton?

Thornton has lower average private school tuition at $13,100/year vs $14,400/year in Modesto. That's $1,300/year less, or $16,900 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Thornton is $1,300/year less than Modesto. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $16,900 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $9,400/year in Modesto, $8,500/year in Thornton.

How do Modesto and Thornton 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). Thornton averages $13,100/year ($750 above average).

Private School Cost: Modesto vs Thornton

Thornton averages $1,300/year less for private school (10% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $16,900 per child.

Bottom Line

Thornton is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,100/year vs $14,400/year in Modesto. Religious schools run $8,500/year on the low end.

Modesto

$14,400

avg tuition/year

$2,050 above national avg

Thornton

$13,100

avg tuition/year

$750 above national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Modesto	Thornton	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$14,400/yr	$13,100/yr	+$1,300
Religious Schools	$9,400/yr	$8,500/yr	+$900
Independent/Prep	$28,100/yr	$25,700/yr	+$2,400
Elementary (K-5)	$12,200/yr	$11,100/yr	+$1,100
Middle School (6-8)	$14,400/yr	$13,100/yr	+$1,300
High School (9-12)	$17,300/yr	$15,700/yr	+$1,600

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Modesto

$187,200

Thornton

$170,300

Choosing Thornton saves $16,900 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $33,800.

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

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

Full Modesto breakdown → Full Thornton breakdown →

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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.