Is private school cheaper in Independence or Spokane?

Independence has lower average private school tuition at $8,100/year vs $12,800/year in Spokane. That's $4,700/year less, or $61,100 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Independence is $4,700/year less than Spokane. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $61,100 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $5,700/year in Independence, $8,700/year in Spokane.

How do Independence and Spokane 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). Spokane averages $12,800/year ($450 above average).

Private School Cost: Independence vs Spokane

Independence averages $4,700/year less for private school (58% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $61,100 per child.

Bottom Line

Independence is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,100/year vs $12,800/year in Spokane. Religious schools run $5,700/year on the low end.

Independence

$8,100

avg tuition/year

$4,250 below national avg

Lower cost

Spokane

$12,800

avg tuition/year

$450 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Independence	Spokane	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$8,100/yr	$12,800/yr	-$4,700
Religious Schools	$5,700/yr	$8,700/yr	-$3,000
Independent/Prep	$18,900/yr	$27,400/yr	-$8,500
Elementary (K-5)	$6,900/yr	$10,900/yr	-$4,000
Middle School (6-8)	$8,100/yr	$12,800/yr	-$4,700
High School (9-12)	$9,700/yr	$15,400/yr	-$5,700

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Independence

$105,300

Spokane

$166,400

Choosing Independence saves $61,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $122,200.

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

Spokane

Gonzaga Preparatory School

Catholic · 9–12 · $13,400/yr

Spokane Christian Academy

Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr

Full Independence breakdown → Full Spokane breakdown →

Missouri private school costs Washington 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.