tuition

The number of accepted students whose families qualify for adjustable tuition usually exceeds our budget, and therefore Friends does not guarantee an adjusted tuition rate for all eligible students. Most years, however, adjusted rates are offered to a very high percentage of accepted students whose families demonstrate need.

If you feel that even a modest tuition adjustment would make a financial difference for your family, we encourage you to request a tuition adjustment. We are committed to making a San Francisco Friends School education possible for families from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds. Families from low, middle and upper-middle income ranges may qualify for an adjusted tuition depending on their unique circumstances.

We know that some families hesitate to request an adjusted tuition. Some are daunted by the process while others fear that their request will be denied. We encourage you to go through the process regardless. While each family carries the primary responsibility for financing their child’s education, we’re here to support you.

In evaluating each request, the Adjustable Tuition Committee considers all sources of income for the family (including separated, divorced, never-married parents, step-parents or partners), the value of assets, debts, family size, the number of students in tuition-charging institutions, and discretionary financial choices and certain qualifying unusual or unanticipated expenses. San Francisco Friends School also takes into consideration the cost of living in the Bay Area. Neither San Francisco Friends School nor Clarity Financial believes that a family should contribute 100% of their discretionary funds, but it is expected that families will consider their child’s education/school tuition a top priority.

In the case of divorced parents, we expect parents to share the responsibility of tuition costs. Each parent, stepparent, or partner (regardless of legal settlements) is required to complete the process described, including a separate Clarity application.

San Francisco Friends School recognizes the importance of full-time parenting, especially for young children. Once all children in the household have entered kindergarten, it is expected that both parents are employed. When considering an adjusted tuition amount, income is imputed for non-working parents with school-aged children. In some cases it may be impossible for a parent to be employed outside the home, and we encourage you to explain your specific situation in writing to San Francisco Friends School.

Sometimes a family will make a decision to decrease the family income voluntarily (i.e. one parent returns to school, leaves work to pursue a less lucrative career, become self-employed, etc). San Francisco Friends School is not able to fund those decisions and in most cases, will continue to impute an income level equivalent to the prior level. Unpaid leave or termination of employment following the birth of a child, a major illness, disability, etc. will not be considered a voluntary decrease in income.

We encourage you to keep an open line of communication with our Business Office should your family situation change significantly. We understand that financial setbacks can occur and we are here to help. We also appreciate hearing good news when your financial situation improves and we may have the opportunity to redirect support you no longer need to others in our community.

In the current school year, tuition for individual families ranges from $925 to full tuition. Within our community, 27% of our students pay tuition adjusted to meet the financial realities of their family situations. Families participating in the program have a wide range of incomes, assets, and individual circumstances (e.g., multiple children in school, parent out of work, supporting a grandparent). 

We strive to ensure each family’s tuition is aligned with their family situation and in keeping with the assumption that your child’s education is a top financial priority for the family. We look forward to working with you to make a Friends School education possible for families across the full, socioeconomic spectrum.

Once a family enters SFFS paying adjustable tuition, and provided family circumstances remain the same, SFFS intends to offer a discounted tuition rate for the student for all the years they are enrolled at SFFS (absent an unexpected change in adjustable tuition resources). If a family’s circumstances are the same from one year to the next, they can expect to have their tuition adjusted to approximately the same percentage of the total annual tuition for that year. That being said, your adjustable tuition rate is based on current financial information. If your financial situation changes, your adjustable tuition rate may be adjusted accordingly. We also do our best to meet the needs of current families who are requesting an adjusted tuition rate for the first time due to a change in their financial situation.

Yes, families are required to reapply every year to continue receiving adjustable tuition.