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Green Meadow Waldorf School community
Tuition & Affordability

Your family
belongs here.

A Waldorf education isn’t a luxury — it’s a different way of raising children. We work hard to make Green Meadow open to every family who wants this for their child.

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Green Meadow community gathering outdoors

Affording Green Meadow

As a school dedicated to inclusion, we take our mission seriously: to provide a Waldorf education for all who desire it. This isn’t just a policy — it’s at the core of who we are.

We keep our costs as reasonable as we can through careful planning and good stewardship. Through our Scaled Tuition model, we’re proud to offer a high-quality independent school education at a tuition that’s within reach of a wide range of families.

Nearly half of our families receive Scaled Tuition.

For most, that means tuition falls between 14% and 20% of household income. We believe that when families and school work together, we can make this education possible.

Tuition by program

Here’s what tuition looks like before Scaled Tuition is applied. Remember — nearly half of our families pay less than these listed rates.

ProgramAnnual Tuition
Half-day Preschool (3 days)$13,500
Full-day Preschool (3 days)$18,000
Half-day Preschool & Kindergarten (5 days)$18,375
Full-day Preschool & Kindergarten (5 days)$25,125
Grades 1 & 2$29,425
Grades 3 & 4$30,625
Grades 5 – 8$32,475
Grades 9 – 12$34,000

Busing

Busing is not included in tuition. Many local New York State districts provide free busing for residents within a 15-mile radius. The busing deadline is April 1. Busing from NYC is also available through GMWS for an additional fee — get in touch for details.

Application Fee

A one-time, non-refundable application fee of $50 per student is due upon application. After acceptance, a signed Tuition Enrollment Contract and tuition deposit are required to reserve a place.

New Family Enrollment Fee

A one-time nonrefundable fee of $1,750 is due for all new families at the time of deposit.

Not sure where to start? Our admissions team loves talking with families — no pressure, just a conversation.

Let’s Talk

Making It Work for Your Family

We don’t think money should stand between a child and a Waldorf education. That’s why we offer Scaled Tuition, scholarships, and flexible payment plans — so your family can focus on what matters.

Tuition Scaled to Your Family

For most families, tuition payments fall between 14–20% of household income. We start from what your family can manage and work from there.

Everyone Is Welcome to Apply

New and returning families alike — the process is open to everyone. There’s a $50 application fee, and we encourage every family to explore their options.

Completely Confidential

Your financial information is handled with care and kept strictly confidential. Applications are submitted online through Blackbaud.

Scholarships for Those Who Need Them

We especially welcome students who bring diverse perspectives to our community. Scholarship funding is limited, so we encourage families to reach out early.

Payment Plans That Fit Your Life

Choose annual, semi-annual, quarterly, or monthly payments — whatever works for your family. You’ll select a plan when you sign your Enrollment Contract.

Sibling Discount

Families with more than one child at Green Meadow receive $1,400 off per sibling. (Scaled tuition contracts are not eligible for the sibling discount.)

Applying for Scaled Tuition

Scaled Tuition applications are submitted online via Blackbaud, in addition to the regular admissions application. New students may apply while applying for a spot at Green Meadow.

A Few Things to Know

  • •Green Meadow maintains a minimum tuition obligation of around 50% of full tuition.
  • •For new families, tuition reduction will not exceed 40% of full tuition.
  • •In two-parent families, both parents are expected to contribute income if there are no preschool children at home and whether or not parents are separated/divorced.
  • •It is not possible for the school to become involved in any financial arrangements between separated parents. If parents are separated or divorced and both contribute to educational expenses, both must provide financial documentation as part of the Scaled Tuition application.
  • •3-day Early Childhood programs are generally not eligible for discounts for single-child families.
  • •Applications must be on time. Late applications are reviewed after timely ones are processed.
  • •Outstanding tuition balances must be current before a family can be considered for Scaled Tuition.
14–20%
Of income for most families
50%
Minimum tuition obligation
40%
Max reduction for new families
100%
Confidential process
Green Meadow campus community
Student watercolor painting at Green Meadow

A Few More Things to Know

We want you to have the full picture. Here are a few practical details families often ask about.

Additional Fees

Additional fees may arise for tutoring, external consultations, or special services. Other expenses include musical instrument rentals, private music lessons, and class trips.

Music Lessons

String classes begin in 3rd grade, with private lessons starting in 4th grade and continuing through 12th. Rental or purchase of an instrument and lesson payments are the family’s responsibility. A small fund for music scholarships is available based on financial need and merit.

Tuition Insurance

A tuition insurance plan is available for a modest cost, protecting parents when a child is withdrawn or dismissed during the school year.

International Boarding Students

Special rates are available for international boarding students. Get in touch for details.

We’d love to hear from you.

Whether you have questions about tuition, financial aid, or just want to learn more about Green Meadow — reach out. Every conversation starts somewhere.

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