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 deeply committed to fostering socioeconomic diversity at The Community School. Financial Aid is an important part of that commitment, and we prioritize making a Community School education accessible and affordable for all families. We encourage you to inquire if you believe our school may be a good fit, we are committed to working with families to make tuition manageable. We look forward to partnering with you and our Financial Aid partners to help make this opportunity possible.

  • Tuition for all grades for the 2026/2027 academic year is $15,490.00. 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 is available. Families receiving financial aid or participating in tuition trade typically pay between $400 and $1,200 per month. We are committed to supporting families who want to be part of this community and to make place-based education attainable for those who value it.

    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. 

    When you complete your application for admission you will be asked if you are applying for Financial Aid. If you select yes, the school office will follow up with you directly to provide you with the TADS 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.

    Please email Administrative Director, Sydnie White at Sydnie@thecommunityschool.me for more information.

  • 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.