Paying for The Community School
We understand that choosing to enroll in an independent school is a big financial decision for any family, regardless of their financial resources. We believe that a family’s investment in their child’s elementary education is one that reaches far beyond their childhood experience.
We are committed to the socioeconomic diversity of The Community School. Financial Aid is available and we see it as a priority to make The Community School education an affordable option for all families. We look forward to working with you and our Financial Aid service to make this happen.
Tuition
The Community School tuition for all grades is $14,322. We depend on tuition income to operate the school, and even so, tuition income does not cover the full operating cost. Though the Community School pursues other means of non-tuition income through annual giving, grants, and fundraising events, if you are able to pay more than the listed tuition, and would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the school with your tuition payment, please contact us at info@thecommunityschool.me.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid is available. If you are applying for Financial Aid, please note that we use a third party financial aid auditing service, to ensure consistent and efficient results. TADS is a company that many small schools around the country use to ensure that all financial aid material is processed with great care, and by professionals. We have built a trusting relationship with them, as they have shown commitment in getting to know us, our families, and the financial picture of our school.
Use the TADS link below to proceed with your Financial Aid Application. The TADS forms will walk you through every step of the process, and if you need assistance, you can submit a question via the “Messages” tab in the upper right. They have been extremely helpful, convenient, and kind to work with thus far and we expect you to have the same positive experience. TADS will notify The Community School when your financial aid application is complete and when they have processed your award amount.
Sibling Discount
Families who qualify for financial aid and are enrolling more than one child will receive a 10% discount on tuition for each additional child. Please note, the 10% discount does not apply to the supplies fee.
Deposits
A $500 deposit is required with the signed enrollment contract to secure a child’s space at The Community School. The deposit is credited toward the yearly tuition amount and is non-refundable, except in the case of Financial Aid applicants. If a family enrolls before the knowledge of their Financial Aid award, and chooses not to proceed with enrollment because the award does not meet their needs, the deposit will be refunded.
Tuition Payments
Tuition may be made in one full payment, or paid over the course of 10-months, August 2024-June 2025 (excluding February for re-enrollment). Payments will be made through the TADS system on the monthly date you define, starting in August 2024. All families are required to create a tuition account with TADS to help manage tuition payments.
The Community School of Mount Desert Island does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to student admissions, hiring and firing of staff and faculty, and the selection of volunteers and trustee. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment to everyone in our school community.