Admissions
Tuition and Affordability

Variable Tuition

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  • Navigating the Process

    Together
We will be your partner through the Variable Tuition process. Through this website, the helpful links below, and in-person assistance, we will help you navigate the process.

Our Variable Tuition program is a sliding scale in which families pay a percentage of tuition based on factors including annual household income, bank account and investment portfolio total (not including retirement accounts), mortgage/rent and other debt payments, and number of students in tuition-paying schools (including Steward).

Variable Tuition ranges for 2023-24

Lower School*
  • Lowest Variable Tuition rate: $7,500
  • Average Tuition for students utilizing Variable Tuition: $16,980
  • Highest Variable Tuition rate: $24,470

Middle School
  • Lowest Variable Tuition rate: $7,390
  • Average Tuition for students utilizing Variable Tuition: $17,338
  • Highest Variable Tuition rate: $27,290

Upper School
  • Lowest Variable Tuition rate: $7,470
  • Average Tuition for students utilizing Variable Tuition: $16,082
  • Highest Variable Tuition rate: $29,370
This is an optional program, and only interested families need to apply in order to participate. The process replicates the familiar process of applying for financial aid (Steward offers Variable Tuition instead of what’s traditionally described as financial aid or tuition assistance).

We know that you’re planning for the future, so rest assured that our goal is that the Variable Tuition you receive this year should remain consistent (accounting for annual across-the-board tuition increases) unless your financial circumstances change.

Our team is available to help guide applicant families through the application process. As in everything we do, we strive to treat every family with care and respect for the individual.

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 once a student is accepted or prior to reenrollment in February.

Learning about and applying for Variable Tuition

  • All Variable Tuition is based on need and requires your Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) from School & Student Services (SSS), a part of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), as well as copies of your Form W-2, IRS Form 1040, and all related schedules. The PFS also provides space to provide a written statement.
  • The Steward School uses SSS, an independent, third-party organization, to collect the financial data used to determine Variable Tuition. The analysis provided by SSS, along with other information provided by the family on the PFS, is used by the school to calculate the final Variable Tuition.
  • All Variable Tuition is evaluated on an annual basis upon reenrollment.
  • Optional program, however, Variable Tuition application must be completed concurrently with admission process; admission is not influenced by the ability to pay tuition.
  • The priority deadline for Variable Tuition requests for the 2024-25 school year is December 1, 2023, for returning students and February 1, 2024, for new students. Variable Tuition is calculated on a rolling basis as funds remain.
The Steward School follows the National Association of Independent Schools’ (NAIS) principles of good practices for private schools. NAIS provides many resources to guide you through the application process, from in-depth webinars, to a written step-by-step online guide, to workbooks and flyers. We encourage you to explore these tools and tips by School & Student Services.

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  • Understanding the Details

    of Variable Tuition

List of 19 frequently asked questions.

For more information, please contact any member of the Admissions team or Controller Dena Dickson. We’re here to help!
“My Steward story is one of discovery. Starting at Steward in the sixth grade, I discovered my voice because the small classes allowed all students to participate. I discovered that I could try something new and took on leadership roles in sports, clubs, and classes. I also discovered that Steward was not only there to support me, but also my entire family."

"My Steward education was possible because of the school's affordability programs. I am thankful my mom found the courage to ask questions and connect with the Business Office. I am proud to be a part of a community that makes Steward possible for families.”

Questions? Contact Us

List of 2 members.

  • Photo of Dena Dickson

    Dena Dickson 

    Controller
    (804) 565-2336
  • Photo of Lindsay McLaughlin

    Lindsay McLaughlin 

    Director of Admissions
    (804) 565-2315
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