Affording PBS

Thank you for considering a Phillips Brooks School education for your family. We understand that investing in an independent school education requires careful financial planning, and we want to partner with you in that goal. Here are just a few of the benefits to beginning your family’s education at PBS:

Student development is always at the center of teacher programming
The whole family is engaged and partnering with the school in support of each child
An inclusive community with accessible and responsive administrative leadership and teachers and extensive opportunities for parent leadership and involvement
Differentiated, developmentally appropriate learning for each child
An atmosphere that is objective, nonjudgmental, and nurturing, enabling students to seek out challenges and take academic risks
Graduates who are confident, resourceful, intellectually ambitious students; valuable team members; and effective relationship-builders – culturally competent, self-motivated, lifelong learners who are sought after by middle schools for these critical attributes

Tuition and Financial Aid Information

Tuition

2025-2026 Academic Year

Preschool – $39,076

Pre-Kindergarten – $39,076

Kindergarten through 5th Grade – $46,492

Tuition Payment Plans

We understand that each family’s financial situation is unique, so we offer a variety of payment options, including a customized payment plan for families in need of alternate payment arrangements.

Plan A. 100% paid upon submission of the Enrollment Agreement.

Plan B. 10% paid upon submission of the Enrollment Agreement; 90% paid by May 1.

Plan C. 70% paid upon submission of the Enrollment Agreement; 30% paid by December 29.

Plan D. 10% paid upon submission of the Enrollment Agreement; 60% paid by May 1; 30% paid by December 29.

Plan E. An alternative payment plan may be arranged through the school’s business office.

Financial Aid at PBS

Applying for Financial Aid

Note: These are the instructions for applying for financial aid in the 2024–2025 school year.

If you are applying for financial aid, complete the online financial aid application and submit it to Clarity by January 24, 2025. The school code is 2245.

Your completed tax forms for the 2023 tax year are due to Clarity by February 14, 2025. Please submit your Form 1040/1040A/1040EZ, your Form 4506, and any W-2 or 1099 forms directly to the Clarity processing center.

Priority consideration is given to applications received by the deadline; late applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis.

FAQs

Who is eligible for financial aid?

We encourage all families to apply for aid if they believe they need any level of financial assistance supported by clear financial information.

How do we apply for financial aid?

Families must complete a financial aid application online through the Clarity (Financial Aid for School Tuition) portal.

Is it possible to obtain a fee waiver for the FAST applications?

Families are able to request a fee waiver if the fee presents a financial hardship.

What is the CLARITY application fee?

Parents pay $55 per application.

What additional documentation is needed to apply for financial aid?

Families will need to submit current tax form(s), W-2(s), along with their application. Our financial aid committee uses these documents to determine each applicant's demonstrated financial need, which is defined as the difference between what a family can afford to pay and the full cost of tuition.

Who is on the financial aid committee?

The Head of School, Chief Financial Officer, and Director of Enrollment and Strategy make up the committee.

Is my financial information kept confidential?

Applications for financial aid are only reviewed by the financial aid committee. The School protects the confidentiality of a family’s financial information during the process and throughout a student’s journey at PBS.

If more than one child is applying for financial aid, do we need to complete more than one application?

Families with multiple children applying for financial aid need to complete one application for all children.

What if my financial situation changes? Do I have to reapply for financial aid each year?

Yes, a family must reapply for financial aid every year. Tuition assistance is awarded one academic year at a time. If a family’s financial situation remains the same, a family can expect the same percentage of tuition assistance from year to year. However, it is possible that a family may also fall out of qualification for aid if there is a substantial increase in income.

Are decisions regarding admission and financial aid related?

All admission decisions are made without regard for financial aid.

Does financial aid cover non tuition expenses?

Financial aid recipients can expect to receive the same percentage of their non-tuition costs covered as their tuition costs. For example, a student receiving a financial aid award equal to 75% of tuition will have about three-quarters of their non tuition expenses paid for by the school.

If you have questions not answered above, including those about eligibility thresholds and what qualifies as demonstrated need, contact admission@phillipsbrooks.org.