What’s Included in School Tuition?

Tuition is an important factor in choosing the right independent school for your child, as it is one of the most important investments you’ll make. No two schools are exactly alike, so it’s important to educate yourself on the questions to ask during the school search process.

What is tuition?

In its simplest definition, tuition is the amount of money you pay to cover the academic school day. It is important to consider a variety of factors when assessing cost since many different things can influence how affordable it may actually be for your family.

What’s included and what’s not?

There are many different aspects to a school’s tuition program, making it important to speak with the admissions department to get a better understanding of what tuition will cover and how you can plan accordingly. Items to consider include:

• Meals
• Snacks
• School supplies
• Field trips
• Technology

Are there additional fees?

Don’t forget to factor in additional costs, such as application or new student fees. Make sure you know what these are and whether or not they are one-time or recurring payments.

Is there additional giving?

Most independent schools rely on endowments and require enrolled families to fundraise or donate to the school in addition to their student’s yearly tuition. Be sure to ask what kind of giving is expected per student each year. Often a school will ask you to donate an automatic percentage of your tuition based on your income. As a tax-paying, social enterprise, Bennett Day School does NOT rely on any parent giving to support its academic programming.

Grants and scholarships

Many private schools offer financial aid programs that make it more accessible to families of all income levels to attend. At Bennett Day School, we are committed to making high-quality education attainable for every student, regardless of financial means. Click here to learn more about our grants and scholarships.

If you want to learn more about tuition at Bennett Day, click here.