Tuition
Investing in your child's Potential
We believe in making education seamless and transparent for your family. Our Inclusive Tuition model eliminates unexpected fees and hidden costs, covering everything from course materials to field trips. It’s a straightforward approach designed to let you focus on what matters most: your child’s learning and growth.
| Lower School | |
|---|---|
| Early Learning (pre-k & kindergarten) | $24,400 |
| Grades 1–5 | $29,900 |
| Middle School | |
| Grades 6–8 | $35,400 |
| Senior School | |
| Grades 9–12 | $40,900 |
| Boarding | |
| Grades 9–12, Domestic | $65,500 |
| Grades 9–12, International | $69,500 |
Transparent Cost, Maximum Value
With Inclusive Tuition, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for. We’ve bundled the essentials so you can focus on your child’s experience, not surprise costs. Here’s what’s included—and what you can add.
What Inclusive Tuition Covers
Inclusive Tuition covers required educational expenses.
+ Textbooks
+ Lunch
+ Classroom Supplies
+ Field Trips
+ Athletic Uniforms and Warm-Ups
+ Musical Instruments
+ Athletic Team Travel
+ Unified Parents’ Association Dues
+ Yearbooks
+ iPads and Laptops
Additional Expenses
Optional expenses that require an additional fee.
+ After School Programs
+ Travel
+ Contracted Transportation
+ Cafe Purchases
+ Meals Other Than Lunch for Day Students
+ Ice Hockey
+ Testing
+ Ticketed Dances
What to Expect
We recognize that investing in your child’s education is a significant decision, and we’re here to provide clear, flexible options to help you plan confidently for this investment in their future.
Tuition Deposit
To confirm enrollment, newly enrolling families make a 10% tuition deposit. This non-refundable deposit reserves your child’s spot in our community and marks the beginning of their Shady Side journey. The deposit is added to the July tuition payment.
Tuition Payment Plans
We aim to make investing in your child’s education as convenient and manageable as possible by offering three flexible tuition payment plans:
- One Payment: Students whose families pay in full prior to July 15 and who do not receive grants from the Academy automatically receive a discount of 1.5%.
- Two Payments: Split tuition into two installments, with 60% due on July 15 and the remaining 40% due on December 15.
- Ten Payments: Spread tuition across 10 monthly installments from July to April. This plan includes a $225 fee (reduced for families receiving significant financial aid) and requires tuition insurance.
Tuition Insurance
Life can bring unexpected changes, and we’re here to support you in planning for every possibility. Our Tuition Refund Plan provides families with peace of mind, offering pro-rated refunds in the event of withdrawal after 14 days of attendance.
For families opting into the 10-payment plan, enrollment in the Tuition Refund Plan is required, while families on other payment plans are encouraged to participate. With a cost of just 1.85% of net tuition, this plan ensures added flexibility and security, allowing you to focus on your child’s education with confidence.
Continuous Enrollment
We value building strong partnerships with our families, starting with our enrollment agreement. With Continuous Enrollment, the contract you sign for your child’s initial year will remain in effect until their graduation or withdrawal.
With no recurring deposit, Continuous Enrollment guarantees a streamlined approach to your annual commitment, saving time and adding convenience for busy families.
We understand that for a school to be a great match for a student, tuition needs to be a sustainable commitment. Shady Side welcomes applications for financial aid in senior pre-k through grade 12 and dedicates over $9 million annually to ensure we meet 100% of each enrolled student's demonstrated need. No caps and no partial awards mean that families can feel secure knowing that we see them, support them, and welcome them without reservation or caveat.
Families interested in financial aid should begin the application process alongside admissions starting November 1. Applications must be submitted between November 1 and January 1 to ensure consideration, as resources are limited. Applications received after January 1 will be reviewed based on the availability of funds.
Financial aid is awarded to highly qualified students poised to thrive in Shady Side’s dynamic environment. Applicants must be U.S. or Canadian citizens, with parents/guardians filing U.S. taxes, and awards are not available in junior pre-k.
For more details, refer to the Clarity Quick Reference Guide or Clarity Family Application Guide,
or email the Enrollment Management Office.
Ready ToTake the Next Step?
