Affording Grace

In 2018, Grace Episcopal Day School became the first Metro DC independent school to launch a Variable Tuition program. This radical reinvention means that rather than offer financial aid packages to families, Grace offers a range of tuitions. Our ideal is that each family’s tuition -- a figure that represents the portion of the full cost of a Grace education that a family is required to pay -- be in line with what that family can afford to contribute.

The shift from “financial aid” to Variable Tuition is more than semantic. It reflects our school’s foundational commitment to building a socioeconomically diverse student body and an inclusive school community. We achieve our goals when all enrolled families know that they are making an equitable contribution to their child’s education -- which makes all families equal contributors to school life.

Tuition Levels Relative to the Full Cost of Educating Each Student

For the 2019-2020 school year, Grace offered Variable Tuition to families with an annual household income between approximately $13,500 and $325,000

Variable Tuition Grace Episcopal Day School 2019-2020

In truth, even full tuition at independent schools falls short of covering the full cost of the education per student. We rely on annual giving and other generous sources of financial support to close the gap.

“Grace’s mission, since our founding in 1960, has been to create a school for Greater Washington where everyone feels like they belong. We believe our school community is stronger when it reflects the diversity surrounding us. We are impelled by our mission and our morals to welcome students and families of varying financial means as equal partners in the project of educating Grace students.”

Jennifer S. Danish, Head of School

Full Tuition Rates for the 2023-2024 School Year

Class Full-Day Tuition Half-Day Tuition Supplies & Activity Fee
Preschool $23,200 $16,200 $250
Prekindergarten $24,200 $17,200 $250
Kindergarten $25,400 $300
Grade 1 $27,700 $300
Grade 2 $27,700 $300
Grade 3 $28,700 $300
Grade 4 $28,700 $300
Grade 5 $29,400 $300

 

Grace offers morning and afternoon extended care. Click here to learn more about our Extended Day program and see pricing for 2023-2024.

How to Apply, Due Dates, and Decision Notifications

To submit an application for Variable Tuition, families should go to the TADS website and choose the first option called "Financial Aid Assessment." You will be prompted to create a TADS account or to sign in using your existing TADS account information.

For returning families: Returning Grace families must reapply through the TADS system by Wednesday, December 13, 2023. Decisions for the 2024-2025 school year will be communicated to returning families no later than early February 2023, before re-enrollment contracts are due.

For new families: Variable Tuition applications are due by Friday, February 2, 2024. Although admission and Variable Tuition decisions are made separately, we let families know about both decisions simultaneously so that they can make informed choices.

Where Can I Learn More?

This recording of a virtual information session provides additional information from Head of School, Jen Danish. A current parent also joined this session to share her family's experience with Variable Tuition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to Turn for Help

Please contact Melissa Lafionatis at mlafionatis@geds.org.