Tuition Accessibility Program
Meeting Your Family Where You Are
Davis Waldorf School is dedicated to ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent families who value Waldorf education from accessing it.
“
The healthy social life is only found when, in the mirror of each human soul, the whole community finds its reflection, and when, in the community, the virtue of each one is living.
Rudolf Steiner
Davis Waldorf School is dedicated to ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent families who value Waldorf education from accessing it.
We honor the rich vibrance a diverse community brings, and representation is deeply important in building an inclusive community. An independent education requires a significant financial commitment, and in the spirit of our values, we want to work with families who prioritize being at Davis Waldorf School but cannot afford the full cost of tuition.
Every year, our school budget includes designated funds for the Tuition Accessibility Program (TAP). This program supports reductions in tuition for families who qualify. The TAP does not cover reductions in additional school fees such as the annual enrollment fee, class supply fee, and aftercare fees.
Our TAP is available for families in kindergarten through 8th grade (preschool-only families are not eligible):
- Kindergarten families may qualify for a reduction of up to 50% of their child’s tuition
- 1st through 8th grade families may qualify for a reduction of up to 75% of their child’s tuition
- Sibling discounts are taken into account when tuition reductions are calculated
Families who have utilized the Tuition Accessibility Program in the past must apply annually and re-submit updated financial records for each school year. Families whose financial circumstances change during the school year may apply at any time, though funds are limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the household income range to qualify?
Because our process assesses each family’s unique financial picture, it is really hard to give an objective range; household income is not the only factor considered when calculating a family’s need for a tuition adjustment.
How is financial need determined?
Applications are individually evaluated to determine an estimated family contribution for education. The income and assets of both parents, if living in the same household, are considered when making a tuition assessment. Many factors are taken into account, including but not limited to: all sources of income, assets, expenses, indebtedness, and family size. The software we work with calculates a living allowance for each family, which protects a certain amount of income. This process helps determine a family’s discretionary income, which helps determine their tuition contribution.
The TAP is not intended to support discretionary items, such as investment portfolios, travel, home purchases, and/or debt-free status. While these items may not rule out a change in tuition, they will be considered when determining a family’s eligibility.
Are there separate requirements for divorced, remarried, never married, or other types of family constellations?
If either parent has remarried or has a partner living in the home, it is required that the partner’s assets be considered. Therefore, the partner’s assets must be included on the application in order for it to be accepted. Income, expenses, assets, and liabilities of the entire “new” family unit are considered in addition to the natural (or adoptive) parent’s ability to contribute to the cost of the education.
A tuition reduction is based upon one’s ability to pay, not one’s willingness to pay. In some cases, a divorced/separated parent is able to pay the full 50% of the child’s tuition while the other parent applies for a tuition reduction. In special circumstances, such as when the non-custodial parent’s location is unknown or when the non-custodial parent has no contact with the family, the TAP committee requests a letter from the applicant explaining the situation.
TAP Application Process
We are currently in the process of switching to a new software for applications. Any new applicants for the 26-27 school year are on pause as of September 15, 2026.
To provide an objective, consistent, and equitable experience, Davis Waldorf School utilizes a third party company to gather financial data and create reports summarizing gathered data.
Data is reviewed by the TAP committee, which consists of the Admissions & Marketing Coordinator, the Business Manager, and qualifying community members such as alumni parents. All information is held confidentially; at no time does the faculty or any other person at Davis Waldorf School receive information related to families applying for and/or utilizing our TAP.
Families who utilize the TAP must take the necessary time to fully analyze their finances before submitting applications and agree to forgo a certain amount of financial privacy.
Questions?
Please send all inquiries about our Tuition Accessibility Program to tap@daviswaldorf.org. All inquiries are confidential.