Average Price of Private School in Michigan

ByJim Harmer

As a parent, the quality of education that your child is receiving is likely very important. And, often private schools can offer better education and more support than public schools. But if you are preparing to enter your child into private school, you are going to have to pay for their education as they charge yearly tuition.

The average price of tuition at private schools in Michigan is $7,300 each year. Elementary schools tend to average around $6,000 each year, while secondary schools like high school are almost $11,000 each year. Meanwhile, private colleges will cost about $38,000 each year.

While private schools in Michigan tend to be around $7,300 each year, it doesn’t mean that the best available private schools are going to cost that much. So, I will list the best schools at each level, preschool, elementary school, and high school, along with their yearly tuition. I will also list some of the specific laws and regulations that Michigan has about private schools.

Michigan Private Schools

One of the first differences that private schools can have in Michigan is that they can have their own day and year schedule. The state recommends that it uses a similar calendar as public schools, but the private school has the choice to have longer days or year-round school. For the U.S. Department of Education,

“The Michigan Supreme Court ruled that the nonpublic school act did not require a nonpublic school be in session for the number of days required for public schools. MDE recommends that a nonpublic school develop a school year calendar comparable to the public school district where the nonpublic school is located.”

Also, for any parents who are hoping that private schools had some regulations concerning special education, the only laws that Michigan has in place are concerning public schools. This means that private schools are free to have or not have special education options available to students.

Lastly, Michigan has no financial aid programs available to parents or guardians who desire to send their children to private schools, but can’t afford to. Certain private schools may offer scholarships or grants to students, but few are offered every year and they are hard for students to qualify for and earn.

Best Preschools

Spring Vale Christian School

Located northeast of Lansing, Spring Vale Christian School has one of the lowest tuition costs in Michigan. The tuition is only $5,000 per year and despite the low tuition cost, it still is one of the best preschools and even ranks as one of the best elementary schools.

Another benefit of SVCS is that it has only a 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio, which will allows the students to receive more one-on-one help. The national average ratio is about 13:1, although that changes frequently. The school does have a formal dress code, but also offers good extracurriculars like Drama Club and Student Senate.

Lansing Christian School

Located in the southern part of Lasing, Lansing Christian School is a great school that goes from preschool through 12th grade. The yearly tuition is $8,000, so just over Michigan’s average, but the school has lots to offer compared to other private schools of similar costs.

One of these things is the fact that the school offers the most sports out of private schools in Michigan. The sports they offer are:

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Diving
  • Equestrian
  • Golf
  • Lacrosse
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Track and Field
  • Volleyball
  • Water Polo

They also offer extracurriculars like:

  • Book Club
  • Chess Club
  • National Honor Society
  • Pilgrim Post
  • Science Olympiad
  • School Musicals (for Middle and High school)

Best Elementary Schools

Nouvel Catholic Central Elementary & Middle School

Located just west of Saginaw, Nouvel Catholic Central Elementary & Middle School is a great elementary and middle school education for a great price. The average tuition at NCCEMS is only $5,800 a year, which is far below both the elementary and high school average.

The school also offers discounts to some families if they are Catholic. However, this is not guaranteed. The school also offers a few extracurriculars such as:

  • Brainology
  • Engineering For Kids
  • National Junior Honor Society
  • Science Olympiad
  • Scouting
  • Snapology
  • Music Lessons

The school also has a formal dress code of a collared shirt, and dress pants/jumper.

Macomb Christian Schools

Located in the northern part of Detroit, Macomb Christian School has an incredibly low tuition rate of just $4,000 a year. This is a solid $2,000 under the Michigan average, and it still manages to be one of the best-rated private schools. In fact, MCS rates in the top 20% of Michigan private schools when it comes to average ACT scores.

The school has a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio and this helps them receive high test scores. MCS doesn’t have many extracurricular activities, but it does have Drama Club, National Honor Society, Robotics, and Student Council.

Best High Schools

The Leelanau School

The Leelanau School isn’t located close to any large city, the closest being Traverse City, but even that is located 26 miles away. TLS is highschool only private school only providing grades 9-12, and its yearly tuition is $67,000.

However, despite being one of the most expensive private schools in Michigan, the price seems to be worth it for some as it is rated as one of the best private high schools. TLS has an incredible 3:1 student-to-teacher ratio and the price of tuition can be lowered by only having the student spend 5 or 3 days at the boarding halls.

The school also offers the following:

  • Alpine Skiing
  • Archery
  • Cross Country
  • Equestrian
  • Golf
  • Kayaking
  • Mountain Biking
  • Nordic Skiing
  • Paddle Tennis
  • Snowboarding
  • Tennis
  • Weightlifting
  • National Honor Society
  • Student Council
  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Performance Groups

Bishop Foley Catholic High School

Another school located in northern Detroit, Bishop Foley Catholic High School is a great and quite affordable private high school option. Tuition at BFCHS is $10,800 each year, coming in just under the state average for high school tuition.

Of the 25 teachers they have at the school, every single one has an advanced degree, so the education your students receive will be done by some of the best teachers in the state. BFCHS also has an extensive offering of sports and extracurriculars available to students.