Variable Tuition

Waldorf Education is life changing and world changing,
one child at a time.
We believe a Waldorf education is one of the most important investments you can make in your child’s formative years. Our students grow into accomplished, thriving young people notable not only for their confidence, abilities, and interests, but for the profound human connections they form. We want to partner with families in making a Waldorf education accessible to those who seek it, while also working toward school and community sustainability. We believe these goals go hand in hand.

Delivering a Waldorf education is resource-intensive but we want to promote a culture that views tuition as a two-way conversation rather than simply an exchange of dollars and cents. We understand that each family’s financial circumstances are unique have implemented the Variable Tuition model so that finances will not be an obstacle to your child receiving a Waldorf education.

If your financial situation makes it difficult to pay the published tuition amount we encourage you to apply for a Variable Tuition. Families in the Newtown, Bethel, Danbury, and surrounding communities wishing to explore Variable Tuition simply apply online.

Pre-k/Kindergarten

3-day, $10,100 (non-refundable deposit, $800)
5-day: $13,900 (non-refundable deposit, $1,100)

Grades 1-5

$22,700 (non-refundable deposit, $1,800)

Grades 6-8

$23,200 (non-refundable deposit, $1,850)

HVWS recognizes that life circumstances occasionally require withdrawal from school, possibly making it a financial hardship to honor the Tuition Agreement you signed. For this reason, Tuition Insurance is now mandatory for all families. Tuition Insurance equals 2.70% of net tuition (tuition after the non-refundable deposit and any discounts and/or variable tuition calculations).

Tuition Insurance Brochure 24-25

For students in 1st-8th grade, a non-refundable class trip fee of $250 per year is required for enrollment. Class trip fees are used to support the annual 3rd grade farm trip and to defray the cost of the 8th grade class trip, which are regular components of the Waldorf curriculum. All other class field trips are handled by the respective class teacher at the time of the trip.
Beginning in the third grade, parents are responsible for buying or renting an instrument so their child can participate in the Strings program. Parents are also expected to arrange for additional private lessons outside of class time. In addition to private lessons after school hours, a newly enrolled student in fourth grade and up with no previous strings experience will be required to participate in supplemental in-school lessons. Parents are responsible for the additional cost.
Think You Can’t Afford a Waldorf Education?
Think Again!
HVWS uses FACTS to provide an objective and consistent method of determining a family’s ability to contribute to educational expenses. All applications must be completed online and all required supplemental financial information must be sent directly to FACTS. Please note that FACTS will not process applications until all supplemental materials are received.

If you have any questions regarding the FACTS application you can visit their Customer Service page for answers to frequently answered questions or call 866-315-9262.

FAQ About Variable Tuition

Will Variable Tuition affect acceptance or re-enrollment?

No. Admissions to the school is need-blind. The admissions policy is as follows:

All students must be enrolled before coming to school. Siblings of current HVWS students are given admissions precedence over new applicants if their applications are received by the annual re-enrollment deadline. Applications from siblings of current HVWS students received after the specified deadline will be added to the new-applicant list and will no longer receive precedence. Applicants from our Morning Glories class are given precedence over applicants from the general public if received by the specified deadline, as are applicants transferring from other Waldorf Schools. Admission is also based on the spaces available for each age group and/or grade, i.e. 3- year-olds, 4-year-olds, etc., and on commitment to, experience of, and/or knowledge of Waldorf Education.

Typical economic situation of a family who qualifies for Variable Tuition?
It is difficult to define a “typical” family that will qualify for Variable Tuition. Determination is based on a variety of factors including: calculation of parental assets, family size, employment status, life style choices (elective home improvements, secondary home ownership, country club memberships, and expensive car leases/purchases), student assets etc.
How is Variable Tuition determined?
HVWS subscribes to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Principles of Good Practice for the administration of financial aid – known as Variable Tuition at HVWS. HVWS uses FACTS to provide an objective and consistent method of determining a family’s ability to contribute to educational expenses. After analysis, each family will receive an initial Variable Tuition determination via email. They may request a meeting with the Enrollment Director and Business Manager to further discuss their tuition amount.
Are some families awarded full tuition?
No. Every family is required to make a financial investment in their child’s education. The Housatonic Valley Waldorf School believes that families have the primary responsibility for financing their child’s education to the extent they are able. Our commitment to providing Variable Tuition means that we are sharing in that investment with you.
Should every current family submit a Variable Tuition application?
No. Only families who feel that they may not able to pay the full tuition rate should submit a Variable Tuition application.
Do I need to apply for Variable Tuition every year?
Yes. A new application must be submitted every year since financial circumstances can change year to year.
If I do not qualify for the program this year, can I apply again next year?
Yes. A family that does not qualify one year is welcome to reapply the following year.
How will Variable tuition be calculated if I am separated or divorced?
In the case of divorce or separation, HVWS requires both parents to file an application for Variable Tuition. All current tax returns and supporting documentation are required from both parents. The School is not bound by any divorce agreement specifying a parent’s responsibility for educational expenses. It is felt to be unfair for the School to subsidize a child’s education if one of the parents is able, but unwilling to contribute to their child’s tuition. In the case of remarriage, total household income will be considered when determining awards.
How does Variable Tuition benefit ALL families?
In reality no family pays the full cost of educating their child(ren) at the school. Tuition is set approximately 15% below the cost to encourage more families to attend. Offering further discounted tuition, based on family means, creates a more diverse student body benefiting everyone at the school.