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Nova Center

2425 S Hardy Ave
Independence, MO 64052
Nova Center, Inc. was founded in 1980 by a small group of parents with great determination and foresight.
Nova Center's mission is to provide the highest quality educational and habilitative services to individuals with developmental disabilities, including Autism and Asperger's Syndrome.
We believe each individual has the right to reach his or hers highest potential and live and work in the least restrictive environment.
Nova Center provides individualized programs geared to all levels of developmental disabilities with the goal of enabling each participant to lead a richer, more independent and productive life.
Our school age program (5 years through 21) is accredited by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Students from over 16 area school districts are served because their home districts are not able to meet their educational needs.
Nova's small teacher/student ratio and the ability to tailor each educational program enables many students to succeed when more traditional settings have proven unsuccessful.
All teachers are certified and complete a professional training program incorporating intensive behavioral, sensory, communicative, and positive behavior support training.

Quick Facts (2025-26)

  • Top Ranked MO School
  • School Type: Special Education School
  • Grades: 2-12
  • Enrollment: 39 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $25,000
  • Acceptance rate: 25%
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Top Rankings

Nova Center ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Missouri for:

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 2-12
Year Founded
1980
School Calendar

Student Body

Total Students
39 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
78%
State avg.: 20%
Students by Grade
Nova Center Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
7 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.:

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Acceptance Rate
25%
National avg.: 81%
Application URL

School Notes

  • Nova Center, Inc. was founded in 1980 by a small group of parents with great determination and foresight. Nova Center's mission is to provide the highest quality educational and habilitative services to individuals with developmental disabilities, including Autism and Asperger's Syndrome. We believe each individual has the right to reach his or hers highest potential and live and work in the least restrictive environment. Nova Center provides individualized programs geared to all levels of developmental disabilities with the goal of enabling each participant to lead a richer, more independent and productive life. Our school age program (5 years through 21) is accredited by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Students from over 16 area school districts are served because their home districts are not able to meet their educational needs. Nova's small teacher/student ratio and the ability to tailor each educational program enables many students to succeed when more traditional settings have proven unsuccessful. All teachers are certified and complete a professional training program incorporating intensive behavioral, sensory, communicative, and positive behavior support training.
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Mark Thill, CPA - CEO - 1992 -
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Nova Center cost?
Nova Center's tuition is approximately $25,000 for private students.
What schools are Nova Center often compared to?
Nova Center is often viewed alongside schools like Rainbow Center For Communicative Disorders by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Nova Center?
The acceptance rate of Nova Center is 25%, which is lower than the national average of 85%. Nova Center's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Missouri with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from Nova Center?
Nova Center famous alumni include: Mark Thill, CPA - CEO - 1992.
What is Nova Center's ranking?
Nova Center ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Missouri for: Lowest average acceptance rates and Highest percentage of students of color.
When is the application deadline for Nova Center?
The application deadline for Nova Center is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

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Quick Facts (2025-26)

  • Top Ranked MO School
  • School Type: Special Education School
  • Grades: 2-12
  • Enrollment: 39 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $25,000
  • Acceptance rate: 25%
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Jackson County, MO is $15,076 for elementary schools and $17,970 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Jackson County, MO is 84% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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