Affording Private School

Education is front and center when you think about your child’s future. At Steward, students thrive in a nurturing, close-knit community centered on preparing them for college and for life. They grow, explore, and engage with the world beyond the classroom … all under the guidance of caring teachers. And, nearly all of Steward’s graduates (98%) are offered admission to a top-choice college or university. There’s no better investment!

Affording private school can sometimes feel daunting for parents, and we’re here to help. Parents have the flexibility, for example, to make tuition payments once a year, twice a year, or over several months. 

Below is information about Variable Tuition, merit grants, and scholarships. 

Our Variable Tuition program is a sliding scale in which families pay a percentage of tuition based on a variety of factors, including family income and assets. This is an optional program, and the application process is similar to the process of applying for financial aid. 

A dedicated Steward committee works to calculate the Variable Tuition for each family who applies. Mindful of a limited budget, the school works to meet as large a portion of each family’s need as we can. Steward strives to assist as many families as possible. In addition, we make every effort to continue the same level of tuition each subsequent year as long as there is a demonstrated need and there are budgeted funds available. 

Families have the opportunity to inquire about Variable Tuition during the admissions process or at any time during a student’s enrollment at Steward. Variable Tuition amounts are communicated when a student is accepted, or in the reenrollment contract in February. It is important to note that a family's financial situation does not impact admission decisions. 

Learn more about Steward’s Variable Tuition program, and feel free to contact Controller Dena Dickson with any tuition-related questions specific to Steward.

We are proud that Steward is a local and statewide leader in offering merit grants and scholarships. In fact, 19% of Upper School students receive a merit scholarship.  

We offer multiple merit grants of up to $5,000 each per year for students entering Steward for the first time in grades 9-11. The main award criteria are a student’s character and leadership skills, which are evaluated based on references and involvement in service and extracurricular activities. Distinguished academics, innovative accomplishments, and financial need are also considered. All merit grant applicants must also apply for Variable Tuition. Merit grants may be awarded alone or in conjunction with Variable Tuition.

The Debbie Robson Merit Scholarship, awarded annually, provides four years of full Upper School tuition to a rising ninth grader who is new to Steward. Recipients are chosen based on academic distinction and extracurricular involvement in areas such as athletics, arts, innovation, or community service.

Two Impact Scholars are chosen each year among current Steward eighth graders. Impact Scholars are awarded a $10,000 merit scholarship for Upper School tuition at Steward ($2,500 per year). Recipients are chosen based on a student’s character and leadership skills, involvement in community service and extracurricular activities, and academic excellence. Impact Scholars are automatically offered spots in Steward’s Leadership Program.  

Learn more about The Steward School, including fast facts and the application process. You can also enjoy a virtual tour, contact admissions, and read our admissions blog.