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Tuition
affording a waldorf education
The social mission of Waldorf education is to provide an education that is independent, privately funded -not tied to government funding and oversight - and accessible to all. We strive to support our families in the best way that we can. As such, we believe that Waldorf Education should be accessible to all families who both value and are committed to it. We welcome all families to apply to Whidbey Island Waldorf School, regardless of their economic circumstances and the number of children in their family. It is our belief that building a dynamic and diverse community benefits everyone in it, and WIWS is committed to active equity.
If your resources are not sufficient to meet the cost of a Whidbey Island Waldorf School education, you may apply for adjusted tuition, which is available on the basis of of demonstrated need and committment to Waldorf Education.
WIWS tuition accounts for approximately 80% of our school’s overall budget. The ability to adjust our tuition comes from our tuition revenue and from our Annual Giving Campaign. WIWS allocates all funds donated during the Annual Giving Campaign to our budget’s Adjusted Tuition. WIWS curently offers 50% of our students with tuition adjustments and/or sibling discounts. So far this 23/24 school year, we have awarded $300,000 in tuition adjustments.
adjusted Tuition
Sibling Discount
Available to all applying families, our Sibling Discount charges 80% tuition for the second child or subsequent child within a single family.
Adjusted Tuition
Our school strives for an economically diverse and inclusive school community. Adjusted Tuition enables qualified students to receive the benefits of a Waldorf education when families are unable to pay full tuition. Adjusted Tuition is available for all Early Childhood programs through the 8th grade.
A financial commitment from all WIWS families is a key component of the health of our organization. Some families are supported by Grandparents, other family, friends or community members. Some families take out educational loans, some invest in a 529 Tax Free Savings for Education, etc. We do not offer any “work exchange” arrangements. We ask each family to commit to a tuition amount that prioritizes a Waldorf education in the context of their current finances.
Parents are expected to contribute according to their means, taking into account total income, assets, number of dependents and other appropriate information. In order to assure objectivity, fairness and confidentiality, we use the confidential financial evaluation process of FAST Aid. Link is below. FAST Aid is used by hundreds of independent schools across the country including a great number of Waldorf schools like our own. Please use the FAST Aid Application below to submit your completed application for Tuition Assistance. This is best done early on in during your enrollment application process, as you are filling out your Enrollment Application.
Pls note: the link to FAST Aid is also inside the Application form. If the FAST Aid application fee of $45 is a hardship, please email our Jean Fee, our Finance Manager at financemanager@wiws.org We have two vouchers per enrollment season available.
Should you have any questions while completing your financial application process, please call our Finance Manager, 360-341-5686 or email financemanager@wiws.org
You can also call 1-877-326-FAST (3278), FAST’s twenty-four hour call center.
New families and returning families that experience a significant change of events during the school year can apply for this adjusted tuition at any time. Families who apply earlier in the year are more likely to have their tuition adjusted. We are committed to doing our best to ensure that no family for whom the school is a good fit will be turned away purely due to financials.
Working Connections Child Care (WCCC)
Helping families pay for Early Childhood child care.
When a family qualifies for child care subsidy benefits and chooses an eligible provider, such as Whidbey Island Waldorf School, the state pays a portion of the cost of child care. The parent may be responsible to pay a copayment to their provider each month.
Please refer your Adjusted Tuition questions to our Finance Manager, Jean Fee.
Phone: 360-341-5686, email: financemanager@wiws.org
NOTES: A non-refundable 5% tuition deposit is due to complete your contract. This 5% deposit will go towards your child’s tuition payment, it is not an add-on.
Supply fees are due with a 5% deposit upon enrollment.
A $200 new student fee is due upon enrollment.
We are aligning our payment plans with our fiscal year, which begins July 1 and ends June 30.
Your application & fee are good for one calendar year upon receipt of that application. If your child is accepted but you must delay enrollment, you have one calendar year for school entry before having to begin the admissions process again.
For more information about applications to WIWS please contact Enrollment Director, Karina Bergen
360-341-5686 or email enrollment@wiws.org