Tuition 2008-2009

Middle and Upper Schools, Grades 5-12: $23,500

Fees 2008-2009

Middle School

Upper School

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Financial Aid Scholarship Information

Lakeside School is committed to enrolling students from diverse economic and social backgrounds. As part of that commitment, the school has established a program of financial aid for families who would otherwise be unable to consider Lakeside as an option for their children. In fact, one in every four students currently attending Lakeside School is receiving financial aid.

Our financial aid program helps not only with the cost of tuition but also with the entire range of additional fees and activities that are part of a Lakeside experience. Tuition awards for the 2008-2009 school year range from $1,500 to $23,400, and the average tuition award for the coming year is approximately $16,887. Altogether, over $3,124,000 in tution grants that do not have to be repaid, faculty and staff discounts, and loans has been allocated to 25.2 percent of the student body.

This total also includes assistance given with fees, books, laptop costs, and activities.  In some cases, meals and transportation are offered.  We try to make the financial aid program as seamless as possible. Information about students on aid is kept confidential, and the financial assistance is automatically credited to a student's bill; only occasionally will a student need to bring cash or a check to school.

Does Lakeside offer other types of aid?

All scholarships at Lakeside are awarded based on family need. We do not offer merit scholarships. However, some need-based scholarships are named by donors who have contributed substantially to the financial aid endowment and each year a few of these become available for students applying to the school. It is an honor to be associated with one of these named scholarships as our donors take great pride in both Lakeside and in the students linked to these scholarships. For more information, click on "Endowed Financial Aid Scholarships."

What about expenses beyond tuition?

Each family receiving a scholarship for tuition also receives a separate stipend to help with non-tuition expenses such as books, supplies, class fees, and activities. Stipends range from $220 to $1,050 according to grade level, and are based on the actual expenditures families may expect to encounter. Families receiving the largest tuition grants may qualify for financial help with meal costs and bus passes, as well. In addition, assistance with the cost of a laptop computer - required for students entering grades 7-12 - is provided on a sliding scale consistent with each family’s scholarship award.

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Should I apply for aid?

Few families find it “easy” to pay private school tuition. Most adjust their spending priorities, maximize both parents’ earnings, and carefully manage assets to do so. Some will need financial assistance no matter how carefully they fine-tune family finances. We would like to provide guidelines to help you decide whether to apply for aid, but we have found that each family’s combination of circumstances is unique. The most helpful guideline comes from personal knowledge of your family’s finances. Can you find a way to pay roughly $2,300 each month for 10 months for your student’s education? If not, you may be a candidate for financial aid.

A wide variety of specific family circumstances is addressed in the section Frequently Asked Questions.

The chart below is intended to provide guidance as you consider the possibility of adding Lakeside's tuition to your household expenses. If, after reviewing your situation and the information below, you feel you will need assistance but are uncertain whether you will qualify, it is generally best to apply.

Financial Aid Awards for 2008-2009 

*These groups include families paying two or more tuitions to private schools, as well as families paying at least one college tuition. Incomes reported in this group include those derived from combining incomes of divorced parents and their new partners, if any, now living in separate households.

**The broad range of family contributions at a given income level is determined by factors beyond income--most often family or student assets. The number of children in the family, number and size of tuitions to be paid, childcare costs, and a variety of other factors will also affect the family contribution.

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How do I begin the process?

Simply check “Yes” beside “Financial Aid Candidate” on the front page of the admissions application. This will alert us to send you the financial aid application materials in January. If you subsequently decide NOT to apply for aid, please notify the Associate Director of Financial Aid.

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How can I get information and advice if I need it?

If you need help assessing your circumstances as you decide whether to apply for aid, or with any part of the financial aid process, please call the Associate Director of Financial Aid at 206-440-2773.  You may also find it helpful to attend our Financial Aid Information Evenings scheduled for Tuesday, January 13, 2009 or Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. (locations listed on "Important Dates" page).  Content is the same at both workshops--you need only attend one.

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Financial Aid Deadlines for New Families

February 5, 2009
Parents' Financial Statement (PFS) and Form 4506 "Request for Copy of Tax Return"

February 19, 2009
2008 Tax information due (i.e., W-2's, 1099's, signed copy of individual income tax return, Business/Farm Statement and signed copy of business return and schedules, if self-employed or a business owner).

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