Is private school cheaper in Springfield or Thornton?

Springfield has lower average private school tuition at $11,100/year vs $13,100/year in Thornton. That's $2,000/year less, or $26,000 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Springfield is $2,000/year less than Thornton. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $26,000 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $7,000/year in Springfield, $8,500/year in Thornton.

How do Springfield and Thornton private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Springfield averages $11,100/year ($1,250 below average). Thornton averages $13,100/year ($750 above average).

Private School Cost: Springfield vs Thornton

Springfield averages $2,000/year less for private school (18% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $26,000 per child.

Bottom Line

Springfield is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,100/year vs $13,100/year in Thornton. Religious schools run $7,000/year on the low end.

Springfield

$11,100

avg tuition/year

$1,250 below national avg

Lower cost

Thornton

$13,100

avg tuition/year

$750 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Springfield	Thornton	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$11,100/yr	$13,100/yr	-$2,000
Religious Schools	$7,000/yr	$8,500/yr	-$1,500
Independent/Prep	$25,700/yr	$25,700/yr	Same
Elementary (K-5)	$9,400/yr	$11,100/yr	-$1,700
Middle School (6-8)	$11,100/yr	$13,100/yr	-$2,000
High School (9-12)	$13,300/yr	$15,700/yr	-$2,400

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Springfield

$144,300

Thornton

$170,300

Choosing Springfield saves $26,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $52,000.

Sample Schools

Springfield

Sacred Heart-Griffin High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $9,800/yr

Springfield Christian Academy

Christian · K–12 · $8,800-$10,600/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 Springfield breakdown → Full Thornton breakdown →

Illinois private school costs Colorado 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.