Understanding Saint Francis Preparatory High School Tuition and Affordability

Choosing the right high school is a significant decision for families, and understanding the financial aspects is crucial. This article provides a comprehensive overview of tuition, financial aid, and payment options at Saint Francis Preparatory High School (St. Francis Prep) and other related institutions, aiming to help families navigate the process of affording a quality education.

Saint Francis Preparatory School: An Overview

St. Francis Preparatory School, located in Fresh Meadows, Queens, New York City, is a private, independent Catholic college preparatory school. It holds the distinction of being the largest non-diocesan Catholic high school in the United States. Run by the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, St. Francis Prep has a rich history, tracing its roots back to 1858 when it began as St. Francis Academy in Brooklyn. The school moved to its current location in Queens in 1974.

St. Francis Prep's mission is to enable all students to develop their spiritual, intellectual, creative, emotional, social, and physical abilities. The school values the unique contribution each person makes to the community.

Tuition and Fees at St. Francis High School

For the 2025-2026 academic year, the tuition at Saint Francis High School is $28,850, which includes an initial tuition payment of $1,000. It is important to note that tuition and fees are subject to change and may vary. Additional fees may be required for athletics, retreats, and certain academic courses.

St. Francis Xavier Prep School

St. Francis Xavier Prep School is a private school located in Hyannis, MA, with a student population of 206 and a student-teacher ratio of 8:1.

Financial Aid and Tuition Assistance

Recognizing that a private school education is a significant investment, St. Francis High School is committed to making it accessible to deserving students regardless of their financial circumstances. The school offers need-based tuition assistance to qualified students.

How to Apply for Tuition Assistance

All families, regardless of income level, can apply for tuition assistance. St. Francis High School partners with Clarity to assess financial need. Families requesting tuition assistance are asked to complete an online application through FACTS Grant & Aid, providing their most recent financial statements. This allows the school to get a clear picture of how much a family can afford to contribute towards education.

Key Considerations for Financial Aid

Confidentiality: St. Francis High School maintains strict confidentiality over tuition assistance files and applications. Tuition assistance awards are confidential between the school and the family.
No Income Limit: There is no specific income limit to apply for tuition assistance. If a family feels they cannot pay all the costs of tuition and fees, it is worth applying to see if they qualify.
Rolling Admissions: St. Francis High School has rolling admissions, and tuition assistance funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Re-application: Families must re-apply for financial assistance each year.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

SFHS Alumni Association Benefit: The SFHS Alumni Association offers a benefit for children of St. Francis High School alumni, including a registration fee waiver.
The Kazma Family Foundation Scholarship: The Kazma Family Foundation, along with the Catholic Education Foundation, offers four-year scholarships to students enrolling in the Diocese of Joliet Catholic high schools. This scholarship includes a $6,000 tuition scholarship for each of the four high school years, with a potential increase to $8,000 per year based on honor roll status.
The Catholic Education Foundation Scholarship Program: This program is designed for K-12 students with demonstrated financial need currently enrolled or applying for the next school year in any CEF-supported Catholic schools within the Diocese of Joliet.

Tuition Payment Options

St. Francis High School has partnered with Blackbaud Tuition Management for all tuition billing. Blackbaud provides a need-based financial aid analysis service indicating their recommendation of what a family should reasonably contribute toward tuition.

Payment Options

There are three tuition payment options available:

Payment in Full: Paid in full by a specific date.
Quarterly Payments: Payments made in four installments.
Monthly Payments: Payments spread out over ten months.

Additional Financial Aid Information for St. Francis High School (La Canada Flintridge)

St. Francis High School in La Canada Flintridge provides need-based financial assistance to approximately 40% of its families.

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Application Process

Blackbaud Application: Applicants must apply online through Blackbaud Financial Aid Management.
SFHS Financial Assistance Questionnaire: In addition to the Blackbaud application, all applicants must also submit the SFHS Financial Assistance Questionnaire.
Tax Returns: Parents will be asked to upload a complete copy of the family’s Federal & State Income Tax Returns (with all accompanying schedules) as well as W-2's and 1099s.

Financial aid recipients are typically notified in conjunction with their acceptance letter.

Understanding Tuition at Other St. Francis Schools

Pope Francis Preparatory School

Full tuition for the academic year at Pope Francis Preparatory School is set at $13,900 per student, which includes the technology fee for a 1:1 device program. Hockey players are assessed an additional $400 fee.

Payment Options at Pope Francis Preparatory School

Payment-in-full: Payment made directly to Pope Francis Preparatory School by June 30th entitles the family to a $200 discount per student. Payment-in-full can also be paid through Blackbaud Tuition Management.
10-Month Payment Plan: Offered through Blackbaud Tuition Management.

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