Tuition and Financial Aid
As an independent, non-profit school, Academy High relies on tuition and donations to carry out its mission and vision. Our tuition rate is determined each year by our Board of Directors. Every tuition dollar supports students through the purchase of curriculum materials and supplies, paying our excellent faculty members' salaries, as well as covering operations costs for our facility. We also understand that tuition can pose a barrier to families seeking an independent school education for their student.
Financial aid is essential in ensuring that qualified students from all backgrounds and experiences can access the educational opportunities provided by Academy High. By offering merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid, Academy High fosters a more inclusive and equitable learning environment.
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Tuition and Fees
2023-2024
Maximum Tuition
$16,990
Technology & Supply Fee
$675
Maximum Total Cost
$17,665
$1,950
The Lowest Cost of Attendance For Families With Financial Need
40%
Less Expensive Than National Average For Independent Day Schools
$12,399
The Average Cost of Attendance Per Student
Merit-Based Scholarships
All students are eligible to be considered for merit-based scholarships, which can be awarded to early applicants, incoming 9th grade students, and transfer students alike. The scholarship is renewable on an annual basis, contingent upon the student's academic performance and ongoing commitment to community involvement and leadership. There is no separate application for merit-based scholarships. Award decisions are made based on the quality of a student's application essay, letters of recommendation, and grade reports. Through those materials we are looking for:
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Active involvement in extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports, or community service.
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A demonstrated commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
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Indicators for strong academic performance.
All Incoming Students Are Eligible for Merit-Based
Scholarships!
Merit-Based Scholarships are awarded on a first come, first served basis. Admissions applications received between October 1st and December 15th are given first consideration, and thereafter are awarded on a rolling basis depending on the amount of funding available annually.
Need-Based Financial Aid
35%
Of Academy High Families Benefit From Indexed Tuition
In 2023-2024
​​​Academy High is proud to offer Indexed Tuition, a program that adjusts a family's tuition costs based on their ability to pay. Indexed Tuition is determined using information confidentially submitted by families to School and Student Services (SSS), a third party entity managed by the National Association of Independent Schools.
Applying for Indexed Tuition is optional and the desire to pursue Indexed Tuition is not a factor in the admissions decision process. Families who choose not to apply will be charged full tuition.
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In order to be considered for Indexed Tuition, please complete a Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS). The PFS is a comprehensive application that will take roughly an hour to complete. You will need your most recent tax return before beginning. We recommend that you review the wide range of materials that SSS has compiled to help families with the Indexed Tuition process.
Indexed Tuition
When setting a family’s Indexed Tuition, several factors will be considered in addition to income, including family size, the number of children attending tuition-charging schools (including college), medical expenses, and assets and liabilities not reflected in household income. Academy High will communicate your Indexed Tuition level shortly after admissions letters are distributed.
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Be sure to check out this helpful guide to navigating the indexed tuition process and this workbook that explains the documentation you'll need when you apply.
To Apply for Indexed Tuition:
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Visit the SSS website to create your online account.
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Begin a PFS for the current academic year. You can log out of the PFS Online at any time and return later to complete it.
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School's Full Name: Academy High
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School's SSS Code: 9141
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Indexed Tuition Program Contact: Jordan Conerty, Head of School
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After you submit your information, you’ll be brought to a payment screen. The $60 application fee, payable to SSS, is nonrefundable. Once your PFS is submitted, it cannot be withdrawn from the SSS system.
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If you wish to seek a waiver for the fee, please contact admissions@academyhigh.org. If you need help navigating the platform, please contact SSS customer service at (800) 344-8328.
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Empower Illinois (Invest in Kids Act)
The Invest in Kids Act passed the Illinois General Assembly in 2017. The bipartisan legislation created Empower Illinois, a program through which donors provide funds to independent schools like Academy High, that allows the School to offer need-based tuition assistance to eligible students. Available funds are awarded based on family income level, similar to how Academy High's Indexed Tuition process functions. To date, Academy High has secured more than $50,000 to support our students and families.
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There is no cost to apply for the program. It a two step process. First, you will need to reserve a profile. Second, 2-3 days after reserving a profile, you will receive an invitation to answer questions similar to those asked when applying for Indexed Tuition (it will be helpful to have some of your financial documents on hand). The second step in the process should not take more than 45 minutes to complete.
There is a chance that you could be rejected from the program due to your family's financial situation. Whether you are accepted or rejected from this program will have no bearing on either your admissions application or Indexed Tuition amount for the coming year.
Please note that applicants to Empower Illinois are also required to apply for Indexed Tuition.
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To Apply for Empower Illinois (see complete list of steps):
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After the portal becomes available in mid-January, reserve a profile.
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A few days later, you will be contacted with more information and invited to complete your application. You will then be able to:
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Determine your eligibility for the program
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Provide your household financial information
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Submit required documentation
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After you submit your information, within 48 hours you will receive a confirmation email. Awards are granted in late January/early February. Scholarships are awarded to students based on available funds and in the order of the time stamped reservation.
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