Denver Academy: Tuition, Financial Aid, and Investing in Your Child's Future

Denver Academy (DA) is a special education school located in the University Hills neighborhood of Denver, Colorado. Founded in 1972, Denver Academy is internationally recognized for its commitment to inspiring and empowering a diverse group of learners through student-centered, differentiated, and transformative education. DA serves students in grades 2-12 with learning differences such as Dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, and non-traditional learning styles.

Understanding Denver Academy's Tuition

For the 2025-2026 school year, tuition at Denver Academy is $36,560 for grades 2-6 and $39,500 for grades 7-12. DA strives to be as comprehensive as possible with tuition. The cost of tuition includes a yearbook for every DA student. However, students who have not returned or paid for missing library items will have their yearbooks held until their library account is cleared. The school library makes every effort to alert students and parents in advance.

Tuition payments for the 2025-2026 school year are due on June 1, 2025. If an upfront payment option is chosen on the enrollment agreement, the full tuition balance is due on June 1. Families may also opt to schedule a payment plan consisting of between 1 and 12 payments through FACTS, with tuition payments beginning in July 2025 and concluding no later than June 2026. Effective February 1, 2024, any fees or tuition paid via credit card incur a 3% processing fee.

Financial Aid: Making a DA Education Accessible

Recognizing the importance of making its unique educational approach accessible to a diverse range of students, Denver Academy offers a robust Tuition Assistance Program. Approximately 30% of DA families receive tuition assistance, demonstrating the school's commitment to supporting families who qualify based on need.

Tuition assistance is based on a family’s ability to pay tuition, as determined by DA’s Financial Aid Committee and an outside service, School and Student Services (SSS). All families who apply are considered.

How to Apply for Tuition Assistance

In order to be considered for tuition assistance, all families must complete the FACTS application. New families should apply online at online.factsmgt.com/aid. Returning families can log on through their existing ParentsWeb account at www.factsmgt.com. Paper applications are not available, and there is a $40 FACTS application fee.

Families who submit applications by the deadline receive priority. Funding is limited and may not be available after the deadline. If a 2024 tax return is not completed by the deadline, a copy should be submitted to FACTS as soon as possible, but no later than April 15, 2025. Following the deadline, the Tuition Assistance Committee finalizes all awards. All information shared is confidential, and the names of the committee members are not shared publicly.

The Tuition Assistance Program: A Partnership

The Tuition Assistance program is a partnership. Denver Academy values all of its families and students regardless of their ability to pay. The Board of Trustees has allocated funds to be awarded to families in need. Tuition Assistance is granted through a methodical and systematic process, taking into consideration each family’s specific financial circumstances. Award sizes vary based on family need and extenuating circumstances.

Families requiring the greatest amount of assistance must pay a minimum amount per child in addition to fees.

Beyond Tuition: Additional Fees and Expenses

While DA strives to be comprehensive with its tuition, there may be additional fees throughout the school year billed through FACTS, including but not limited to athletic fees, Shabbaton fees, Model UN, and various testing fees. Fees are not reduced by Tuition Assistance, professional discounts, or pro-rating.

Supporting DA Through Fundraising Initiatives

Annual gifts make up the difference between what tuition covers and the actual costs of operating the school. The Fund is used for teacher salaries and benefits, classroom resources and teaching tools, educational technology and equipment, and continuing education for faculty. These contributions enhance the educational experience for all students, going above and beyond what is covered by tuition.

Denver Academy also hosts several fundraising events throughout the year to support the Tuition Assistance Program. These events provide opportunities for parents, alumni, and community members to contribute to a worthy cause while enjoying social gatherings and entertainment.

Fundraising Events and Opportunities

DA Gala: An annual gala featuring live music, auctions, dinner, and opportunities to mingle with parents and DA staff. Net proceeds benefit the Denver Academy Tuition Assistance Program.
Silent Auctions: Online and in-person silent auctions offering a variety of items, including vacations, jewelry, sports memorabilia, and gift cards. Net proceeds support the Tuition Assistance Program.
Paddle Battle: A fundraising event where participants compete in a paddle tournament to raise money for tuition assistance.

Read also: Exploring Kent Denver School
The Fund for Denver Academy: A yearly fundraising campaign supported by parents, alumni, alumni parents, grandparents, friends, and faculty, staff, and board members.

Ways to Contribute

Attend the in-person live auction and dinner celebration.
Virtually participate in the online silent auction.
Become a Gala sponsor.
Donate an item to the auction.
Make a cash donation.

The Value of a Denver Academy Education

Denver Academy provides a unique and supportive learning environment for students with learning differences. With small class sizes, differentiated instruction, and a dedicated faculty, DA helps students realize their academic potential and reverse negative self-concepts acquired in previous learning environments.

DA's commitment to financial aid ensures that a wider range of students can access this transformative education. By investing in Denver Academy, families are not only investing in their child's future but also contributing to a community that values diversity, inclusivity, and academic excellence.

Enrollment and Application Information

Denver Academy does not enforce any school boundaries. After you have had an information meeting with DA's Enrollment Management Team and have begun the application process, you may request to schedule a day visit for your student.

Due to strong enrollment, DA is often full in several grade levels and anticipates this will continue. It is important to submit the 2024-25 DA Tuition & Re-Enrollment Agreement as soon as possible, along with the deposit, to guarantee a spot for your student(s).

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