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Flexible Tuition

Investing in One Another

We know that attending Prospect Sierra is a financial commitment, and we’re proud to offer a robust Flexible Tuition Program.

Overview of the Flexible Tuition Program

Prospect Sierra is committed to welcoming families from a wide range of financial backgrounds. Each year, we dedicate 16% of our operating budget—$3.4 million—to Flexible Tuition, making it possible for families to enroll at a tuition level that works for them throughout their time at the school.

Tuition for the 2025-26 school year:

  • Transitional Kindergarten – $28,800
  • Elementary School (K-4th) – $36,050
  • Middle School (5th-8th) – $40,810

Tuition varies by family, with current families paying between $2,500 and $40,810 for the 2025-26 school year. More than one in three students participate in our Flexible Tuition Program.

At Prospect Sierra, we recognize that choosing an independent school is a meaningful investment—one that extends well beyond the TK-8 years. While every family contributes to tuition and engages in the community in ways that feel right for them, tuition is not one-size-fits-all.

If cost is a factor for your family, we encourage you to apply for Flexible Tuition. Admissions decisions are made separately from tuition considerations, ensuring an equitable process for all applicants.

“In terms of the financial piece of things, it’s definitely one of the barriers we thought we would face. But Prospect Sierra is very much willing to work with families. Renée had a heart-to-heart with us because we were pretty anxious thinking of the financial impact. She really put us at ease and reassured us that once PS starts a relationship with a family, they want to maintain that relationship. And they’ll do whatever they can to make this as amenable and workable as they can for your family. That really made a difference for us.”

- Liz Tong and John Fortuno | 1st and 3rd grade parents

“We couldn’t have asked for a better year for our child. We finally found a school that holds social and emotional learning at the same high standard of academics. I wish every child in this country, or even just here in the East Bay could be blessed with such an education. Imagine what our world would look like.”

- Deb Shell | 4th grade parent

Flexible Tuition Application

If the Flexible Tuition Program will make the difference for your family, let’s get started!
Prospect Sierra uses Clarity software to gather information and documents for our flexible tuition application.

The application is mobile-friendly so you can complete it from anywhere. You are also able to save your progress and return at any time. Visit clarityapp.com when you are ready to begin.

The deadline for completing the Clarity application with relevant documents is

  • Friday, November 29, 2024 for returning and sibling families
  • Friday, January 24, 2025 for new families

Flexible tuition grants for new families will be released on February 17, 2025 for TK applicants, and on March 13, 2025 for K-8 applicants.

If you need Clarity support while completing the application, there is in-app support available through the “Help” button in the bottom left of the screen, as well as email and phone support at support@clarityapp.com or 206-210-3752, in both English and Spanish. The application itself is also fully translated into Spanish.

Please contact the Admissions Team or Chief Financial Officer Soo Zee Park for flexible tuition questions and guidance.

We look forward to working with you and your family!

Flexible Tuition Workshops

Join Renée Thompson, Director of Enrollment and Outreach, as she reviews the flexible tuition application process.
We will highlight:
* our flexible tuition philosophy and approach
* what documents you will need to apply
* an overview of the Clarity application and the many abbreviations you will learn!

Most importantly, there will be time for your questions.

Reserve a space after September 1 on Finalsite.

Flexible Tuition FAQs

Please contact Soo Zee Park, Chief Financial Officer, at spark@prospectsierra.org or 510.809.9004, or the admissions team at admissions@prospectsierra.org.

We’re happy to help!

Flexible Tuition allows families to commit to an education they can afford for their tenure at Prospect Sierra. Current families pay tuition ranging from $2,500 to $40,810 for the 2025–26 school year. The school encourages families to apply for flexible tuition if they think they may qualify.

Prospect Sierra is committed to keeping the school accessible to families from a wide range of economic backgrounds, and our belief is that cost should not prevent anyone from sending their child to the school.

Tuition at the school includes:

  • Books and materials,
  • Study trips and overnights,
  • Technology for students,
  • and yearbooks.

Additional costs beyond school tuition include:

  • Extended program (optional),
  • School transportation (optional),
  • Prospect Sierra Parents Association dues ($100 per family),
  • Pizza day fee ($85 per child),
  • Site fee assessment (Required; $1,200 per family paid over two years and pro-rated for families paying flexible tuition)

Flexible tuition is determined separately from the admissions process. A family’s financial background does not factor into a student’s admissions decision by the admissions committee.

Admissions and flexible tuition decisions will be released on February 17, 2025 for TK applicants, and on March 20, 2025 for K-8 applicants.

We believe in stability! The School will continue to partner with families who utilize the flexible tuition program during their students’ tenure at Prospect Sierra.

Please note, enrolled families must reapply each year in the winter before re-enrollment agreements are released.

Yes, within reason. Enrolled families are welcome to re-apply (or apply for the first time) if there has been a major financial change (job loss, incoming sibling, household changes, etc.).

We also welcome emails and phone calls to discuss your confidential situation.

If you are currently not in need of flexible tuition, and do not anticipate an immediate financial change, you should not apply for it at this time.

If there is a significant change in your family’s financial circumstances after enrolling at Prospect Sierra (job loss, incoming sibling, household changes, etc), please contact the Business Office as soon as possible.

Yes, each parent/guardian household must submit a Clarity application along with 2022 and 2023 tax documents (1040, W-2, and any relevant schedules) to be considered for Flexible Tuition. We understand the 2024 tax documents may be delayed during the admissions application timeline. Please contact us should you have any questions or need an extension.

Prospect Sierra determines ability to pay by factoring in all available resources from both parents and step-parents, regardless of custody or other legal issues.

Please send us a supplemental letter if there is additional information that addresses your financial situation not taken into account by the Clarity application. We also welcome emails and phone calls to discuss your confidential situation.

Enrollment Deposit

  • Upon acceptance or re-enrollment of your child, an enrollment deposit of ten percent (10%) of the annual tuition is required which, while non-refundable, is credited toward tuition charges invoiced later in the academic year.

Two payments

  • Families can select to pay their school tuition in two installments; in May 2025 (60%) and the remaining balance in January 2026 (30%).

OR

Monthly payments (11 months)

  • Families can select to pay their school tuition in monthly installments; beginning in May 2025 through April 2026.
  • Please note there is one month in which families do not make a tuition payment during this cycle. In February, all returning Prospect Sierra families submit their re-enrollment deposit in lieu of making a tuition payment for the current academic school year. Tuition payments do resume the following two months.

For questions, please contact admissions@prospectsierra.org.

If your student withdraws, the Tuition Refund Plan will pay benefits (subject to the terms of the plan and the amount covered) to the school, which provides substantial assistance in meeting your financial obligation.

The cost of the Plan is billed separately and is equivalent to 1.5% of Tuition. Parents who select the One Payment Plan option may choose to opt into the Tuition Refund Plan. Parents who select Two Payment or Monthly Payment are automatically enrolled in the Tuition Refund Plan.

Ready to connect with us about our Flexible Tuition Program?