Is private school cheaper in Independence or Lee's Summit?

Independence has lower average private school tuition at $8,100/year vs $8,600/year in Lee's Summit. That's $500/year less, or $6,500 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Independence over Lee's Summit?

Average tuition in Independence is $500/year less than Lee's Summit. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $6,500 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $5,700/year in Independence, $6,100/year in Lee's Summit.

How do Independence and Lee's Summit 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). Lee's Summit averages $8,600/year ($3,750 below average).

Private School Cost: Independence vs Lee's Summit

Independence averages $500/year less for private school (6% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $6,500 per child.

Bottom Line

Independence is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,100/year vs $8,600/year in Lee's Summit. Religious schools run $5,700/year on the low end.

Independence

$8,100

avg tuition/year

$4,250 below national avg

Lower cost

Lee's Summit

$8,600

avg tuition/year

$3,750 below national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Independence	Lee's Summit	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$8,100/yr	$8,600/yr	-$500
Religious Schools	$5,700/yr	$6,100/yr	-$400
Independent/Prep	$18,900/yr	$20,100/yr	-$1,200
Elementary (K-5)	$6,900/yr	$7,300/yr	-$400
Middle School (6-8)	$8,100/yr	$8,600/yr	-$500
High School (9-12)	$9,700/yr	$10,300/yr	-$600

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Independence

$105,300

Lee's Summit

$111,800

Choosing Independence saves $6,500 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $13,000.

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

Lee's Summit

Summit Christian Academy (Lee's Summit)

Christian · K–12 · $9,800-$12,400/yr

Holy Spirit Catholic School (LSummit)

Catholic · K–8 · $8,400-$10,400/yr

Full Independence breakdown → Full Lee's Summit breakdown →

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.