Private School Cost: Portland vs Santa Clarita
Santa Clarita averages $200/year less for private school (1% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $2,600 per child.
Bottom Line
Santa Clarita is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $18,000/year vs $18,200/year in Portland. Religious schools run $10,400/year on the low end.
Portland
OR
$18,200
avg tuition/year
Santa Clarita
CA
$18,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Portland | Santa Clarita | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $18,200/yr | $18,000/yr | +$200 |
| Religious Schools | $10,400/yr | $11,700/yr | -$1,300 |
| Independent/Prep | $31,500/yr | $35,100/yr | -$3,600 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $14,800/yr | $15,300/yr | -$500 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $18,200/yr | $18,000/yr | +$200 |
| High School (9-12) | $22,500/yr | $21,600/yr | +$900 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Portland
$236,600
Santa Clarita
$234,000
Choosing Santa Clarita saves $2,600 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $5,200.
Sample Schools
Portland
Catlin Gabel School
Independent · PK–12 · $38,400-$41,200/yr
Oregon Episcopal School
Independent · PK–12 · $34,800/yr
Jesuit High School (Portland)
Catholic · 9–12 · $19,200/yr
Central Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $14,800/yr
Santa Clarita
The Masters School (Santa Clarita)
Christian · K–12 · $14,800/yr
West Ranch Academy
Independent · 9–12 · $12,400/yr
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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.