Understanding Friends School of Baltimore Tuition and Affordability
Friends School of Baltimore, a co-educational Quaker school with a rich history dating back to 1784, is committed to providing an excellent education to its students. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Friends School's tuition, budget allocation, and financial assistance programs, and the overall value proposition of a Friends School education.
A Vigorous Education at Friends School
Friends School emphasizes a "vigorous education," where students demonstrate effort, energy, and enthusiasm. This approach contrasts with the traditional focus on "rigorous academics," which can sometimes be perceived as inflexible or harsh. Instead, Friends School focuses on essential skills like critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and leadership. Learning occurs in an environment of trust and support, where ideas are openly expressed, debated, and tested in real-world applications. The school's holistic approach allows students to explore and excel across academics, athletics, and arts.
Tuition and Budget Allocation
For the current academic year, the Upper School tuition at Friends School of Baltimore is $36,445. With Friends tuition climbing 4.5% this year, many Upper School students are curious about where their $36,445 per year goes. According to Malcolm Haynes, Friends’ Chief Financial and Operating Officer, tuition dollars are primarily allocated to personnel costs. In fact, roughly 70% of the school's budget goes towards teacher and staff salaries, health insurance, and other benefits. This investment in faculty and staff ensures a high-quality educational experience for students.
About 20% of the budget is allocated to non-personnel operating costs, which include maintaining the buildings and campus. These funds support the equipment used by the facilities team to keep the buildings warm and cool, the elevators running, and the grounds well-maintained. The remaining 10% covers fixed costs such as utility bills and insurance. The school also has a small amount of debt that was used to build some of the buildings on campus: mainly Forbush Atrium, and the Arts Center in Forbush. Another big part of our fixed-costs portion of the pie is insurance. As an organization that provides a service to the public, we have to insure ourselves against liability.
In summary, every year, Friends has an operating budget of around $22 million. It also has an endowment of about $40 million in investments, and every year the school pulls around $1.4 million from those. It also raises around $850,000 from Annual Giving donations, and around $1.7 million from Little Friends, summer camps, and building rentals. That leaves the bulk of the school’s yearly operating costs - $18 million - that need to be paid by student tuition. So, while the tuition at Friends might seem high, it keeps the school running.
Read also: Evolving Friendship Dynamics
Financial Assistance and Affordability
Recognizing that an independent school education is a significant financial commitment for many families, Friends School prioritizes making its education accessible and affordable. This is achieved through generous financial assistance and merit scholarships. Families interested in receiving tuition assistance must complete an application and submit all required documentation to Clarity Financial Aid by the December deadline.
Friends School partners with Clarity Financial Aid to provide financial assistance assessment and auditing services. The deadline to apply for financial assistance for the 2026-27 school year is December 15, 2025.
Friends School offers two Merit Scholarships for new applicants. The Doris Neumann Merit Scholarship is for students entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grade, and the Joseph Townsend Merit Scholarship is for students entering grades 9 or 10.
The Value of a Friends School Education
A Friends School education goes beyond academics. The school emphasizes community service, encourages students to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and instills a sense of responsibility to make a positive impact on the world. The culture at Friends influences teachers and students to see one another as humans - constantly evolving, learning, and always treating one another with respect and understanding.
The school's commitment to Quaker values such as simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship shapes the educational experience. This holistic approach prepares students not only for college but also for life, equipping them with the skills and values necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Held in high regard by colleges and universities across the country, Friends students are accepted at nearly 2xs the national college admission rate.
Read also: Newtown Friends School Overview
Academic Programs and Technology Integration
Friends School offers a comprehensive academic program spanning Pre-K through 12th grade. The Pre-Primary and Lower School provide a warm and supportive environment that nurtures and challenges students, encouraging them to explore their world, take healthy risks, and master essential skills. The Middle School focuses on meeting the intellectual and emotional needs of adolescents, providing the structure and resources for students to discover their gifts and talents. The Upper School offers a challenging college preparatory program where individual perspectives are respected and celebrated.
To enhance our students’ education, technology is incorporated into every class. Every Middle School student receives a Chromebook, and every Lower School student has access to an iPad. Teachers use these tools, along with Google Classroom, to create a rigorous educational experience.
Connecting with Friends School
Community and connection are at the heart of a Friends School education. The school encourages families to connect with them to learn more about their transformative education.
Read also: Exploring Sandy Spring Friends School
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