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Tuition & Scholarships

Clear costs. A conversation about what is possible.

The National Mall in Washington, DC

Understand the full cost.

2026–27 SCHOOL YEAR

$8,290Annual tuition before scholarships and fees
Annual tuition and fees · Grades 9–12
ItemAmount
Tuition$8,290
Enrollment fee$250
Books & learning materials$175
Student activities$125
Total before scholarships$8,840

Additional fees total $550 per year. Scholarship percentages apply to tuition. Ask the school to confirm the award and final charges that apply to your family.

Support that changes the picture.

75% of Ideal families receive scholarships covering 95% of tuition.

EXAMPLE · A 95% TUITION SCHOLARSHIP

Annual tuition
$8,290.00
Scholarship
− $7,875.50
Remaining tuition
$414.50
Annual fees
+ $550.00
Example annual family cost
$964.50

This example explains the calculation. The school confirms each family’s award and final charges individually.

Automatic scholarship consideration.

Families receiving SNAP or WIC benefits, or living in public housing in Washington, DC, are automatically considered for scholarships.

Let the school know which category applies when discussing enrollment. Automatic consideration means a family is reviewed for support; it does not guarantee an award.

SNAP

Families receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.

WIC

Families receiving Women, Infants, and Children program benefits.

DC public housing

Families living in public housing in Washington, DC.

Tuition questions.

Does the 95% scholarship cover fees?

The percentage applies to tuition. The listed enrollment, materials, and activities fees are separate.

Can other families ask about scholarships?

Yes. Contact the school to discuss your household’s circumstances. The automatic consideration categories are not the only reason to ask about support.

What documents are needed?

The school will confirm what is required and how to provide it. Ask for those instructions before sending personal financial information.

Are payment plans available?

Ask the office about current payment arrangements, deadlines, and any terms that apply before committing to enrollment.

Discuss costs with the school

Explore the scholarship calculation.

$964.50

Illustrative annual cost including $550 in listed fees. This calculator shows arithmetic, not eligibility or a scholarship offer. The school confirms your award and charges.

A CLOSER LOOK

Build a complete family budget

Begin with annual tuition, then review each listed fee and ask which additional expenses could apply to your student. Consider transportation, meals, supplies, and optional activities in your own planning, even when those costs are not billed by the school. Comparing complete annual costs makes financial decisions easier to understand.

Scholarship examples on this page illustrate the effect of an award on tuition; the family’s actual responsibility depends on its confirmed award and applicable fees. Before making a commitment, request a written breakdown of tuition, assistance, fees, payment dates, and any enrollment terms that affect your family.