Understanding the Costs of Education at Tallulah Falls School
Tallulah Falls School (TFS), located at 201 Campus Drive, PO Box 10, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573, is a growing independent school with a rich history. Founded in 1909, TFS has experienced significant growth, increasing its enrollment from 131 students in 2008 to over 500 students in 2023. The school prides itself on attracting high-achieving students from across the United States and around the world, offering a unique learning environment characterized by a dedicated faculty, a scenic mountain location, and a commitment to individual student success. This article breaks down the tuition costs associated with attending Tallulah Falls School, financial aid opportunities, and the overall value proposition of a TFS education.
Tuition and Fees Breakdown
Understanding the financial commitment is crucial for families considering Tallulah Falls School. The tuition structure varies depending on whether a student is a boarding or day student.
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): \$45,000
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): \$16,100
- Yearly Tuition (5-Day Boarding): \$30,000
- Tuition for International Students: \$47,000
Additional Fees and Payment Options
Beyond the base tuition, several other fees and payment policies are important to note:
- Registration Fee: A non-refundable registration fee is required of all students. It is \$200.00 per student if paid by May 31st of each year. After June 1st, the fee increases to \$300.00.
- Building Fund: A building fee of \$750 per family is in place, which can be paid over three years at \$250 per year, due by September 1st.
- Payment Plans: TFS offers flexible payment options, including annual, bi-annual, 10-month, or monthly payments starting in June.
- Returned Check Fee: A \$40.00 fee is charged for any check returned by the bank due to insufficient funds (NSF). After two NSF checks, only cash, cashier’s checks, or money orders are accepted.
- Late Payment Consequences: Students with tuition payments more than two months in arrears may not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities or sporting events. Students with payments three months past due may be dismissed unless alternative arrangements are made with the Finance Committee.
- Electronic Debit Authorization: Students with payments significantly in arrears may be required to authorize electronic bank account debits for future payments.
- Re-admission Fee: Students dismissed for non-payment must pay the outstanding tuition balance for the school year, plus a \$75.00 re-entry fee, before being readmitted.
- Record Holds: Progress reports, final grades, report cards, and transcripts are withheld while tuition and fees are outstanding. RENWEB access may also be denied.
- Examination Restrictions: Accounts must be current before students are permitted to take semester examinations.
- Graduation Requirements: Senior and kindergarten student accounts must be current one week before graduation to receive a diploma.
- Summer Enrollment Restriction: If any student's tuition or cafeteria account is not paid in full by May 31st, students will not be allowed to re-enroll for the upcoming school year nor will that student be allowed to participate in any school activities throughout the summer.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities
Tallulah Falls School recognizes that investing in education is a significant commitment and strives to make its programs accessible through various financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
- Financial Aid: TFS partners with families to provide access to a college-preparatory education.
- Georgia Promise Scholarship Program: TFS participates in the Georgia Promise Scholarship Program.
- Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program: Tallulah Falls School participates in the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program, which awards scholarships based on financial need. The program aims to provide greater access to learning opportunities for all Georgia children.
- Larry A. Peevy Leadership Scholarship: This annual award honors Dr. Larry A. Peevy's leadership and service as president of Tallulah Falls School.
- Tuition Freeze Program: Tallulah Falls School offers a unique tuition freeze program. While the school's base tuition rate may increase over time, each student's base tuition rate remains fixed and frozen at the point of entry.
The Value Proposition of a Tallulah Falls School Education
While the tuition costs represent a significant investment, the value of a Tallulah Falls School education lies in its comprehensive approach to developing well-rounded individuals prepared for college and beyond.
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Academic Excellence
Academics are the primary mission at Tallulah Falls School. The school prides itself on its rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, dedicated faculty, and small class sizes (average of 15 students), which foster a supportive and engaging learning environment. TFS offers a broad and challenging curriculum.
- Dual Enrollment Program: TFS offers a unique Dual Enrollment program with 22 college classes on campus. Most students graduate with one year of college credit already completed.
- AP Courses: Tallulah Falls School offers 15 AP courses. In recent years, 26 of their students score 4 and 5 in AP exams.
- Advanced Courses: TFS offers 35 AP / Advanced Courses.
- Faculty Expertise: Tallulah Falls School has 59% of faculties whose degrees are master and above.
The school offers a wide range of AP and college-level courses, including:
- AP Art History
- AP Computer Science
- AP Computer Science Principles
- AP European History
- AP French
- AP Human Geography
- AP Macroeconomics
- AP Microeconomics
- AP Music Theory
- AP Physics I & II
- AP Psychology
- AP World History
- College Algebra
- College Biology I & II
- College Calculus I & II
- College Chemistry I & II
- College English I & II
- College Environmental Science
- College Government
- College Latin I - IV
- College Precalculus
- College Spanish I & II
- College Statistics
- College US History I & II
Experiential Learning
Learning extends beyond the classroom at TFS. Field trips and activities connect theory to real-world experiences, making lessons engaging, memorable, and meaningful. The school emphasizes hands-on learning, encouraging students to explore new environments, cultures, and perspectives.
- Lower School: The Lower School at TFS is a vibrant community dedicated to discovery and growth. Teachers foster a hands-on, conversational learning environment where students build on shared experiences and curiosity.
- Middle School: Middle school students expand their learning beyond the classroom through dynamic experiential opportunities- team building adventures, hiking mountain trails, boating local waters, attending live theatrical performances, and exploring culturally rich destinations.
- Mid-Mester Experience: The yearly mid-mester experience is an exciting week during the fall semester. The grade-level, week-long trips are designed to provide students with immersive learning opportunities.
Character Development and Community Engagement
TFS is committed to character development, academic excellence, service, leadership, and cultivating a culture of compassion and kindness. The school fosters a nurturing environment where students can explore their passions, take risks, and grow as leaders.
- Community Service: TFS students actively participate in community service, assisting local ministries and schools.
- Extracurricular Activities: TFS offers a wide array of extracurricular activities, with 23 total extracurricular organizations.
- Interscholastic Sports: TFS offers 23 interscholastic sports.
- Arts and Music Programs: TFS provides robust arts and music programs.
College Preparation
With a focus on college preparation, TFS equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in higher education. The school's average SAT score is 1200, and the average ACT score is 25.
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