Private School Cost: Montgomery vs Topeka
Topeka averages $500/year less for private school (7% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $6,500 per child.
Bottom Line
Topeka is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $7,400/year in Montgomery. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.
Montgomery
AL
$7,400
avg tuition/year
Topeka
KS
$6,900
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Montgomery | Topeka | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $7,400/yr | $6,900/yr | +$500 |
| Religious Schools | $5,500/yr | $4,800/yr | +$700 |
| Independent/Prep | $15,100/yr | $14,300/yr | +$800 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $6,300/yr | $5,900/yr | +$400 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $7,400/yr | $6,900/yr | +$500 |
| High School (9-12) | $8,900/yr | $8,300/yr | +$600 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Montgomery
$96,200
Topeka
$89,700
Choosing Topeka saves $6,500 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $13,000.
Sample Schools
Montgomery
Montgomery Academy
Independent · K–12 · $14,200/yr
Saint James School (Montgomery)
Christian · PK–12 · $12,800/yr
Topeka
Topeka Collegiate School
Independent · K–8 · $12,400/yr
Hayden Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $9,400/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.