Is private school cheaper in Independence or Knoxville?

Independence has lower average private school tuition at $8,100/year vs $10,100/year in Knoxville. That's $2,000/year less, or $26,000 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Independence is $2,000/year less than Knoxville. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $26,000 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $5,700/year in Independence, $7,100/year in Knoxville.

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

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Independence averages $8,100/year ($4,250 below average). Knoxville averages $10,100/year ($2,250 below average).

Private School Cost: Independence vs Knoxville

Independence averages $2,000/year less for private school (25% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $26,000 per child.

Bottom Line

Independence is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,100/year vs $10,100/year in Knoxville. Religious schools run $5,700/year on the low end.

Independence

$8,100

avg tuition/year

$4,250 below national avg

Lower cost

Knoxville

$10,100

avg tuition/year

$2,250 below national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Independence	Knoxville	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$8,100/yr	$10,100/yr	-$2,000
Religious Schools	$5,700/yr	$7,100/yr	-$1,400
Independent/Prep	$18,900/yr	$21,400/yr	-$2,500
Elementary (K-5)	$6,900/yr	$8,600/yr	-$1,700
Middle School (6-8)	$8,100/yr	$10,100/yr	-$2,000
High School (9-12)	$9,700/yr	$12,100/yr	-$2,400

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Independence

$105,300

Knoxville

$131,300

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

Sample Schools

Independence

Van Horn Academy (Independence MO)

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

Truman Academy

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

Knoxville

Webb School of Knoxville

Independent · PK–12 · $19,400/yr

Knoxville Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $13,200/yr

Full Independence breakdown → Full Knoxville breakdown →

Missouri private school costs Tennessee 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.