Is private school cheaper in Independence or Seattle?

Independence has lower average private school tuition at $8,100/year vs $24,500/year in Seattle. That's $16,400/year less, or $213,200 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Independence is $16,400/year less than Seattle. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $213,200 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $5,700/year in Independence, $13,200/year in Seattle.

How do Independence and Seattle 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). Seattle averages $24,500/year ($12,150 above average).

Private School Cost: Independence vs Seattle

Independence averages $16,400/year less for private school (202% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $213,200 per child.

Bottom Line

Independence is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,100/year vs $24,500/year in Seattle. Religious schools run $5,700/year on the low end.

Independence

$8,100

avg tuition/year

$4,250 below national avg

Lower cost

Seattle

$24,500

avg tuition/year

$12,150 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Independence	Seattle	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$8,100/yr	$24,500/yr	-$16,400
Religious Schools	$5,700/yr	$13,200/yr	-$7,500
Independent/Prep	$18,900/yr	$38,000/yr	-$19,100
Elementary (K-5)	$6,900/yr	$20,000/yr	-$13,100
Middle School (6-8)	$8,100/yr	$24,500/yr	-$16,400
High School (9-12)	$9,700/yr	$30,500/yr	-$20,800

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Independence

$105,300

Seattle

$318,500

Choosing Independence saves $213,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $426,400.

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

Seattle

University Prep

Independent · 6–12 · $42,800/yr

Northwest School

Independent · 6–12 · $39,400/yr

Seattle Prep

Catholic · 9–12 · $21,200/yr

O'Dea High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $17,800/yr

Full Independence breakdown → Full Seattle breakdown →

Missouri private school costs Washington private school costs

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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.