Tuition
Sliding Scale Tuition
The American educational system is scarred by profound inequity, borne largely from racial segregation and the racist distribution of educational resources and opportunities. As a tuition-based, private school, we are called upon to examine our role in this system. Through this interrogation, we continually seek solutions to make our school more accessible and welcoming to families of all backgrounds while sharing the abundant resources of our school with our surrounding communities.
To this end, Catskill Montessori uses sliding-scale tuition, which allows an economically, socially, racially, and culturally diverse community to attend. Sliding scale tuition is not financial aid but a payment scale based on the principle that a family’s financial commitment be proportional to their financial resources.
*Sliding Scale / Financial Aid will not be available for the Toddler program for 2024-25. The annual tuition for the Toddler program for 2024-2025 is $8861.
How does it work?
To determine a family’s tuition contribution, they must first submit the Financial Aid application (FA) in TADS and do so annually thereafter when re-enrolling. The information TADS receives is part of calculating what kind of financial contribution a family can reasonably make in proportion to their resources. This nuanced process considers a broad range of financial circumstances and is not simply calculated based on gross income.
Who is required to complete the financial aid application?
Families applying for the sliding scale rate must complete the financial aid application. All parents or guardians, including those who are divorced, separated, or never married and non-parent spouses/partners, must contribute relevant information as part of the application process. If circumstances preclude the other parent or guardian from participating, an explanation and documentation will be required.
Can I apply for sliding-scale tuition without submitting a financial aid application?
No, only families who submit a financial aid application can apply for sliding-scale tuition. Applicants who do not submit a financial aid application will be responsible for paying the top-tier tuition rate.
Must I submit multiple sliding scale (FA) applications if I have more than one child?
No, you can include more than one child on the sliding scale/financial aid application paperwork.
What does the sliding scale look like?
The chart below is a representation intended to give families a general idea of their contracted fees. Families should fill out the TADS FA application to receive an accurate number.
These figures are the approximate amounts for the 2024/2025 school year. Like all other schools, there will be annual Cost of Living increases to keep pace with inflation and gently rising costs.
Are there other annual fees?
CMS Annual Fees:
Application fee ($125) is due upon submitting the TADS Application. If your child is not offered a spot and put on the waitlist, it will be waived if you reapply the following year.
Setup Fee ($300 per child / $500 max per family). This one-time fee is due upon submitting the TADS Enrollment.
Annual Registration Fee ($300), which is 100% waived with on-time submission of required annual forms.
All deposits and fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Please note: TADS has its fee structure for transaction processing fees.