Our Tuition Model & Philosophy
Heartwood is primarily supported through the tuition paid by its families. As a part of our mission to provide self-directed education for liberation and empowerment, we offer tiered tuition to make sure we’re a fit for families not just philosophically but financially as well. Our goal is to have a community with a diverse socioeconomic makeup.
In determining our tuition process, we’ve focused on a few important ideas — trust, access, and responsibility. The culture of an Agile Learning Center (ALC) is rooted in trust. We are committed to developing relationships of trust with students, among the facilitators, and with our families. By trusting families to be generous and reasonable we increase our accessibility. As we grow, we try to balance accessibility with sustainability. We are always looking at our tuition process to make sure we’re being responsible to our current families and to the future health of the school.
The tuition tier chart below states the recommended annual tuition based on a family’s total annual income. Total family income refers to all gross income sources including but not limited to: salary, child support, support from family, trusts, etc. Families propose a tuition level that is responsible to both their family’s finances as well as the school’s sustainability. If a family can’t afford the recommendation, they can choose a lower tier and give us more information about their situation. If a family can pay more, they can apply at a higher tier than the recommendation, or make a tax-deductible donation. These practices of trust and responsibility keep our school socioeconomically accessible and healthy.
Calculating and Submitting Your Tuition Proposal
1. Review the Tuition Tier Chart above and Tuition Calculator below to see what the recommended tuition is for your family’s income level
*total family income is all gross income sources including but not limited to: salary, child support, support from family, trusts, etc.
Recommended Tuition Calculator
This calculator is intended to support families in determining their proposed tuition amount.
- Total Family Income – First you will be asked for the total income amount your family expects to be working with this year.
- Students Enrolling – Next, enter the number of students from your family anticipated to enroll. When our budget allows, we offer a 5%- 10% sibling discount.
- Requested Assistance Tier (1 - 5) – The final number the calculator will need is the level of financial assistance you are requesting. Full tuition is currently $16,800 per student annually, and minimum tuition is currently $2400 per student annually.
Suggested tiers are as follows:
Total Family Income of < $29,999=Tier 1
Total Family Income of $30,000 - $59,999 = Tier 2
Total Family Income of $60,000 - $89,999 = Tier 3
Total Family Income of $90,000 - $119,999 = Tier 4
Total Family Income of $120,000 - $149,999 = Tier 5
Total Family Income of $150,000+ = Full Tuition
We ask families who are able to pay more than the full tuition to consider making a tax-deductible donation to help us increase our accessibility.
2. Consider the recommendation you get from the Tuition Tier Chart and determine if that works for your family
Can you afford it? Can you pay more? If you can’t afford the recommendation, choose a lower tier and give us more information about your situation. If you can pay more, consider applying for a higher tier than the recommendation, or making a tax-deductible donation.
3. Determine the installment option that best meets your family’s needs
Consider which installment plan is the best match for your family finances.
Single installment: Due 06/01/2023
Double installments: Due 06/01/2023 and 9/01/2023
Monthly Installments:
Deposit due 05/01/2023. Monthly installments from 06/01/2023 - 03/01/2024
4. Apply for your proposed tuition tier
Complete the form below to apply.
The Finance Committee will review your tuition offer and assess how it affects the budget. They may need to confirm certain details or make a counter offer if necessary. Once all parties are in agreement and an admissions decision has been made, you will receive a contract with a request for signature.