Tuition
Each spring the Board of Directors Finance Committee sets the tuition for the following year. Although tuition costs must rise to keep up with the rising cost to educate the students, the Finance Committee is committed not only to minimizing the rate increases, but also to exploring ways of making our education more affordable over time. There are a number of payment options to choose from when the Enrollment Agreement is signed. These range from 12 monthly payments to one lump sum payment. We offer flexible payment plans to help ease the financial pressures on families; however, once an option has been chosen, it is important to pay regularly and promptly. Sussex School operates on a tight budget, so keeping a regular positive cash flow is essential in helping us meet our many expenditures. Please direct any tuition related questions to the Business Manager.
Financial Aid
Sussex School recognizes that the primary responsibility for financing an independent school education rests with families. We are also committed to offering financial aid to qualified families. We offer aid not only because we want to make Sussex accessible to any worthy student who wishes to attend, but also because diversity benefits the entire Sussex community by increasing the vitality of the school, furthering its mission, and supporting its vision. The richer the diversity of the Sussex community, the deeper our students’ understanding of themselves and the world.
If you are interested in applying for financial aid, please see the Business Manager. Financial aid is determined annually and is awarded as a reduction in tuition. In determining assistance, the school uses the School and Student Service for Financial Aid, a national company that assesses financial need for families at private schools and colleges across the country, in conjunction with its own formula to assess the financial need of each family. All information provided is held in the strictest of confidence. We cannot guarantee aid awards for families who apply after the deadline.
Activity Fees
Families are charged an activity fee, in addition to tuition, for the special activities planned for their child’s grade (e.g., 7-8’s participate in the Adventure Program; K-5’s have a swimming program). There may be extra charges for individual learning group activities, such as attending a play or concert. If the cost for any activity is a hardship, speak to the Assistant Director.