Is private school cheaper in Centennial or Independence?

Independence has lower average private school tuition at $8,100/year vs $13,700/year in Centennial. That's $5,600/year less, or $72,800 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Independence over Centennial?

Average tuition in Independence is $5,600/year less than Centennial. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $72,800 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $8,900/year in Centennial, $5,700/year in Independence.

How do Centennial and Independence private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Centennial averages $13,700/year ($1,350 above average). Independence averages $8,100/year ($4,250 below average).

Private School Cost: Centennial vs Independence

Independence averages $5,600/year less for private school (69% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $72,800 per child.

Bottom Line

Independence is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,100/year vs $13,700/year in Centennial. Religious schools run $5,700/year on the low end.

Centennial

$13,700

avg tuition/year

$1,350 above national avg

Independence

$8,100

avg tuition/year

$4,250 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Centennial	Independence	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$13,700/yr	$8,100/yr	+$5,600
Religious Schools	$8,900/yr	$5,700/yr	+$3,200
Independent/Prep	$27,000/yr	$18,900/yr	+$8,100
Elementary (K-5)	$11,600/yr	$6,900/yr	+$4,700
Middle School (6-8)	$13,700/yr	$8,100/yr	+$5,600
High School (9-12)	$16,400/yr	$9,700/yr	+$6,700

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Centennial

$178,100

Independence

$105,300

Choosing Independence saves $72,800 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $145,600.

Sample Schools

Centennial

Arapahoe Christian Academy

Christian · K–12 · $10,400-$12,800/yr

Cherry Creek Christian School

Christian · K–12 · $9,800-$12,200/yr

Independence

Van Horn Academy (Independence MO)

Independent · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr

Truman Academy

Independent · K–12 · $8,400-$10,400/yr

Full Centennial breakdown → Full Independence breakdown →

Colorado private school costs Missouri 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.