Admissions

Flexible Tuition and Scholarships

TUITION ASSISTANCE
At The Orchard School, we believe that the best way to prepare students for the real world is to have a student body that mirrors the diversity of the world around them.
 
Orchard is committed to making an exceptional Progressive education accessible to students from all backgrounds. To help achieve this goal, Orchard offers a reduction in tuition to best-fit students whose families qualify. This tuition reduction plan is called "Flexible Tuition."
 
We recognize that many families who might not expect to be eligible for “financial aid” still qualify. Orchard’s Flexible Tuition Program is available to full-time students in Preschool through 8th grade and allows families to apply for a reduced tuition rate, which ranges from $1,500 to $15,500 for the 2023-2024 school year. The average Flexible Tuition amount for families receiving a discount is $10,735. We encourage families who would like to be considered for Flexible Tuition to submit an application. 
 
Last year, Orchard awarded nearly $2 million to 30% of the student body through the Flexible Tuition budget. The average income of a family receiving tuition reduction is $92,000 and the income for families qualifying for Flexible Tuition is up to $240,000. The qualifying income varies depending on the number of children in a family and other factors.
 
We encourage families to request further information about Flexible Tuition if they have concerns about their ability to afford our full tuition.

If you have any questions about flexible tuition, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Admissions Team at admissions@orchard.org. 
 

HOW TO APPLY FOR FLEXIBLE TUITION
Orchard is proud to use the Clarity Application to determine a family’s level of financial need based on the information that families share in the application which includes assets, income, expenses, and debts.

Please note: An offer of admission to Orchard must have been made before flexible tuition is considered. 

The Orchard School

TIMETABLE:
The deadline for new families to apply for flexible tuition is January 31st
After January 31st, flexible tuition will given if funds are still available 
Flexible tuition decisions for first round offers will be sent out on March 1


FINANCING OPTIONS
Orchard offers 3 payment options to our families for tuition payment. Families may choose one of the following options:

1 pay option  (1.5% discount -Due August 20th)
2 pay option (Due August 20th and December 20th)
12 pay option (Monthly payments beginning July 20th)


SCHOLARSHIPS 
Orchard offers merit scholarships in 4th - 8th grade for new students. Reach out to admissions@orchard.org for more information. 


FLEXIBLE TUITION FAQs

List of 8 frequently asked questions.

  • What is Flexible Tuition and how do I apply?

    Flexible Tuition is The Orchard School's need-based financial aid/assistance program.

    Orchard is proud to use the Clarity Application to determine a family’s level of financial need based on the information that families share in the application which includes assets, income, expenses, and debts.

  • Does my family qualify for Flexible Tuition?

    There is a wide range of families who qualify, from those who can afford only minimal tuition to those who can afford almost full tuition. Orchard’s Flexible Tuition is calculated based on information provided from your flexible tuition application. Factors such as income, assets, tax documents, the number of children in tuition charging schools, and any extenuating circumstances are taken into consideration. It is impossible for the school, or for a family, to determine the level of tuition for which they qualify unless the entire application is completed. We recognize that every family situation is different and that even a small amount of reduced tuition can make a critical difference for many families. The income for Orchard families receiving flexible tuition is up to $240,000. 

  • Is my information secure with Clarity?

    The Orchard School takes the privacy and security of your personal information very seriously. Clarity is certified for both GDPR and SOC2 and uses enterprise-level security standards including end-to-end encryption of all personally identifiable information. For more information, please refer to Clarity’s Privacy Policy.

  • Can I complete my Clarity application on my phone or tablet?

    Yes! Clarity’s application is fully mobile-friendly so you have access wherever you are.

  • How does Clarity make it easier for me to apply for flexible tuition?

    Clarity offers a streamlined, mobile friendly application that can be completed in as short a time as 20 minutes.

  • Will applying for Flexible Tuition affect my child’s chances of being accepted?

    Applicants are selected without regard for their ability to pay tuition. Submitting an application for Flexible Tuition has no bearing on an applicant’s admission decision. Flexible Tuition applications are confidential and the information provided is reviewed only by the Flexible Tuition Committee. Faculty are not aware of which families apply for Flexible Tuition. These practices are aligned with the (NAIS) Principles of Good Practice for Financial Aid Administration.

  • Are all students who are offered admission also offered Flexible Tuition if their parents qualify?

    Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to offer Flexible Tuition to every student who qualifies for both admission and a reduced tuition rate. Qualifying students may be offered admission but placed on the waitlist for Flexible Tuition. 

  • If a family does not receive Flexible Tuition one year, can they re-apply the following year?

    Yes. New applicants may reapply for Flexible Tuition each year. Returning families must apply each year to be considered for Flexible Tuition.
Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students: The Orchard School values diversity and seeks talented students. Orchard admits students of any race, color, national origin and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Orchard does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or age in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, and athletic and other school-administered programs.