Private School Cost: Orange County vs San Bernardino
San Bernardino averages $7,000/year less for private school (51% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $91,000 per child.
Bottom Line
San Bernardino is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,800/year vs $20,800/year in Orange County. Religious schools run $9,000/year on the low end.
Orange County
CA
$20,800
avg tuition/year
San Bernardino
CA
$13,800
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Orange County | San Bernardino | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $20,800/yr | $13,800/yr | +$7,000 |
| Religious Schools | $11,200/yr | $9,000/yr | +$2,200 |
| Independent/Prep | $34,800/yr | $26,800/yr | +$8,000 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $17,000/yr | $11,700/yr | +$5,300 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $20,800/yr | $13,800/yr | +$7,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $25,500/yr | $16,600/yr | +$8,900 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Orange County
$270,400
San Bernardino
$179,400
Choosing San Bernardino saves $91,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $182,000.
Sample Schools
Orange County
Sage Hill School
Independent · 9–12 · $41,800/yr
Fairmont Preparatory Academy
Independent · 9–12 · $34,600-$37,200/yr
Calvary Chapel Academy
Christian · K–12 · $10,400-$12,800/yr
JSerra Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $22,400/yr
San Bernardino
Our Lady of the Assumption School
Catholic · PK–8 · $8,400-$10,200/yr
San Bernardino Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $7,800-$9,200/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.