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 for the 2025/2026 academic year is $14,752. 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.
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 OFFICE@THECOMMUNITYSCHOOL.ME to learn more!
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.
DEPOSIT: 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 2026-June 2027 (excluding February for re-enrollment). Payments will be made through the TADS system on the monthly date you define, starting in August, 2026. All families are required to create a tuition account with TADS to help manage tuition payments.