Admissions
  
  

Tuition and Affordability

Welcome to Wilmington Friends School's tuition information page, where transparency meets our commitment to accessibility. We understand that the decision to invest in education is significant, which is why we strive to provide clear and comprehensive details about our tuition rates. At Wilmington Friends, we believe in the transformative power of education for all individuals, and we are dedicated to making our exceptional educational experience accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances. In line with this commitment, we offer a financial aid program to support families in need, with a portion of our endowed funds ensuring our ability to continue to provide this support.
  
  

Rates of Tuition

Below are rates of tuition for the 2024-25 school year. Tuition includes the use of a school-issued device: iPads for preschool - grade 3 and MacBooks for grades 4-12. In addition to tuition, middle, and high school students will incur some additional expenses for textbooks, supplies, etc. 

Preschool Three Full Days
Preschool Four Full Days
Preschool Five Half Days
Preschool Five Full Days
$11,470
$14,480
$13,050
$16,910
Pre-kindergarten, Half Day
Pre-kindergarten, Full Day
$18,240
$22,970
Kindergarten          
$24,380
First Grade
Second and Third Grade
Fourth and Fifth Grade
$28,120
$28,220
$28,520
Sixth Grade
Seventh and Eighth Grade
Ninth through Twelfth Grade
$29,920
$33,570
$35,260

After-School Program (PS - 6th)  $550 - $3,600 annually. 

Tuition Payment Plans

A no-interest, 10-month tuition payment plan is offered through Blackbaud Tuition Management Systems. Information on this program is sent with enrollment and re-enrollment contracts each year. In addition, information is available through the Blackbaud Tuition Management Systems website.

If you have any questions, please contact the admissions office at: admissions@wilmingtonfriends.org
  
  

Financial Aid at Friends

Need-based financial aid is a grant awarded to those families who qualify; it is not a loan. It is available for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade to current Wilmington Friends School families and to those applying for admission. Awards are made on a case-by-case basis to families who have completed a financial aid application, and who qualify for financial aid, as determined by their application.

Current WFS Families Apply Here 
WFS Applicant Families Apply Here
 
All applications are due by December 15 (applications received after that date will be considered if there are funds available).

Below are answers to frequently asked questions about financial aid. For additional information, please read our financial aid policy or contact Melissa Brown, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at mbrown@wilmingtonfriends.org or email admissions@wilmingtonfriends.org.

List of 10 items.

  • Is financial aid a loan?

    Financial aid is a grant awarded to those families who qualify; it is not a loan and does not need to be repaid.
  • What does financial aid cover?

    Financial aid awards fund a portion of tuition. For those who need assistance with non-tuition expenses, student support funds exist to help with items such as books, student travel, psycho-educational testing, tutoring, and supplies in an effort to ensure the full Wilmington Friends School experience is afforded to all of our students. 

    Please note, iPads and MacBooks are available to all students in Kindergarten through 12th grade through our 1-to1 program and there is no additional cost. 
  • Does everyone who applies for financial aid receive an award?

    Financial aid awards are made on a case-by-case basis to families who have completed a financial aid application, and who qualify for financial aid, as determined by their application. "Need" covers a wide range, from substantial need to a need for moderate assistance to bridge the gap between what a family can afford and the full cost of tuition. The financial aid committee makes every effort to make a Wilmington Friends School education affordable for all families.

    CLICK HERE to view some sample financial aid award scenarios.
  • What is the methodology for determining if we qualify for financial aid?

    All financial aid applicants must apply through FAST and submit the required documentation before being considered for aid.
  • If we receive a financial aid award this year will we receive the same award next year?

    Families receiving financial aid must submit a new application and up-to-date tax returns each year they wish to receive aid. Families who do not qualify or who have been waitlisted for financial aid in a given year are welcome to apply again for the following school year.
  • What consideration is given if a family has several children they wish to enroll in an independent school?

    The financial aid committee uses FAST’s methodology to determine what a family might reasonably expect to contribute toward educational expenses. Financial aid is offered to qualifying families, with consideration for all children in the family attending tuition-charging schools through the undergraduate degree level.
  • What if I am applying after the financial aid deadline?

    The School's financial aid committee will continue to review applications on a rolling basis until funds for the coming school year are depleted. Qualifying applicant families may be placed on a waitlist for financial aid with an opportunity to receive needed funds, when and if they become available before the new school year begins.
  • Will my child’s admissions acceptance be affected if I apply for aid?

    Financial aid applications do not affect a student's admission to Wilmington Friends. Students applying for both admission to the school and financial aid should complete each application process simultaneously; assuring that notice of financial aid is provided at the time admission is offered.
  • What are the benefits of investing in our child’s education now?

    Investing in a Wilmington Friends School education offers immediate benefits such as tailored learning environments, smaller class sizes, and personalized attention, which foster academic excellence and character development. We offer International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, enabling students to earn college credits and potentially reduce future college expenses. While it involves allocating resources that could be saved for college, comprehensive education, the development of critical thinking skills, increased opportunities for scholarships, and the potential for earning college credits through advanced coursework underscore the long-term value and return on investment in private school education.
  • Can a 529 Savings Plan be used for private school tuition?

    Yes! Please check your plan's guidelines for more information.
101 School Road, Wilmington, DE 19803
302.576.2900   |   info@wilmingtonfriends.org
Preschool - 12th Grade

Statement of Nondiscrimination as to Student Enrollment
Wilmington Friends School admits students of any race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students of these schools. Wilmington Friends School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin in administration of their educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.