Is private school cheaper in Naperville or Simi Valley?

Naperville has lower average private school tuition at $13,800/year vs $17,200/year in Simi Valley. That's $3,400/year less, or $44,200 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Naperville over Simi Valley?

Average tuition in Naperville is $3,400/year less than Simi Valley. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $44,200 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $8,700/year in Naperville, $11,200/year in Simi Valley.

How do Naperville and Simi Valley private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Naperville averages $13,800/year ($1,450 above average). Simi Valley averages $17,200/year ($4,850 above average).

Private School Cost: Naperville vs Simi Valley

Naperville averages $3,400/year less for private school (25% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $44,200 per child.

Bottom Line

Naperville is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,800/year vs $17,200/year in Simi Valley. Religious schools run $8,700/year on the low end.

Naperville

$13,800

avg tuition/year

$1,450 above national avg

Lower cost

Simi Valley

$17,200

avg tuition/year

$4,850 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Naperville	Simi Valley	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$13,800/yr	$17,200/yr	-$3,400
Religious Schools	$8,700/yr	$11,200/yr	-$2,500
Independent/Prep	$31,900/yr	$33,600/yr	-$1,700
Elementary (K-5)	$11,700/yr	$14,600/yr	-$2,900
Middle School (6-8)	$13,800/yr	$17,200/yr	-$3,400
High School (9-12)	$16,600/yr	$20,600/yr	-$4,000

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Naperville

$179,400

Simi Valley

$223,600

Choosing Naperville saves $44,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $88,400.

Sample Schools

Naperville

Benet Academy (Lisle/Naperville area)

Catholic · 9–12 · $18,400/yr

Wheaton Academy

Christian · 9–12 · $18,200/yr

Simi Valley

Notre Dame High School (Sherman Oaks)

Catholic · 9–12 · $21,400/yr

Simi Valley Christian School

Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr

Full Naperville breakdown → Full Simi Valley breakdown →

Illinois private school costs 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.