Understanding Winston Preparatory School Tuition: An Investment in Individualized Learning

Winston Preparatory School is a network of innovative private day schools and programs dedicated to students aged 8-21+ with learning differences such as dyslexia, nonverbal learning disorders (NVLD), and executive functioning difficulties like ADHD. With multiple campuses nationwide and an Online Learning Program, including the Winston Transitions program for learners aged 17-21+, Winston Prep offers a multi-faceted, individualized learning environment. The school's model is based on an in-depth understanding of each learner, grouping students based on their unique learning profiles. This dedication to research allows Winston Prep to create an educational environment where all students become independent learners, making it one of the most effective schools for children with learning disabilities and differences.

Tuition and Fees for the 2025-2026 School Year

Investing in an independent school like Winston Prep is a significant commitment. The school is dedicated to helping families navigate tuition and tuition assistance to make a Winston education a viable option for students regardless of their financial circumstances. For the 2025-2026 school year, tuition and fees include textbooks, PTO dues, technology, tuition insurance, and a breakfast and lunch meal plan.

The specific tuition and fees are broken down by grade level as follows:

PreK 4 - Kinder: \$25,000
1st-4th: \$28,359 (Tuition) + \$2,925 (Fees) = \$31,284 (Total)
5th: \$31,673 (Tuition) + \$3,100 (Fees) = \$34,773 (Total)
6th-8th: \$33,887 (Tuition) + \$3,100 (Fees) = \$36,987 (Total)
9th-12th: \$35,277 (Tuition) + \$3,350 (Fees) = \$38,627 (Total)

A tuition deposit of \$1,500 is required upon signing the contract to complete enrollment. This deposit is applied to the total tuition and fees but is non-refundable. New students in 1st-12th grade are also subject to an additional matriculation fee of \$1,000, while seniors have a \$500 graduation fee. Students who enroll after the start of the school year will have their tuition and fees prorated based on their enrollment date.

Available Tuition Discounts

Winston Prep offers several tuition discounts to help ease the financial burden for families:

Multiple Child Discount: Families with more than one student attending Winston Prep receive a 10% discount. Note that this discount does not apply if tuition assistance is already being received.
Full Payment Discount: A \$500 discount is provided to full-year students when tuition and fees are paid in full by June 30, 2025. Second-semester students receive a \$250 discount for full payment by January 31, 2026.

Tuition Payment Plans

Winston Prep utilizes VC Pay on the Veracross parent portal for monthly tuition payments. Payments are made in 12 monthly installments from July through June, with the payment due on the 12th of each month. Students enrolling after July 1 will have fewer than 12 monthly payments. Late fees are applied to any tuition and fees not paid by the 12th of the month. VC Pay offers options for automatic payments via bank draft or credit card. The school requests that all payments be made through VC Pay and not directly to the school office.

Tuition Assistance Program

Winston Prep is committed to making its education accessible to qualified students entering 1st through 12th grade who may not otherwise be able to afford it. Tuition Assistance is not available for PreK and Kindergarten students. Families must reapply for Tuition Assistance each year, as the amount of assistance can vary based on available funds and the family’s financial situation.

Clarity Application

The Winston School Tuition Assistance program is designed to make a Winston education possible for all families based on demonstrated financial need and the availability of funds. Winston Prep uses the Clarity Application to determine a family’s level of financial need based on information shared in the application, including assets, income, expenses, and debts.

To apply for Tuition Assistance, families should create an account on the Clarity Application website. The application typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete and is mobile-friendly. Applicants can save their progress and return to the application at any time. US taxpayers will be prompted to authorize the IRS to share a transcript of their W2(s) and personal tax return. The application is also available in Spanish.

Tuition Assistance Timelines

New Families: Tuition Assistance applications open on February 3, 2025. Families are typically notified of awards within approximately one week of completing the application and submitting all supplemental documents. The application remains open until funds are exhausted, and early application is recommended. Families should not apply for tuition assistance until their student has completed their admission shadow visit. Note that an award of tuition assistance does not guarantee admission to The Winston School.
Returning Families: Tuition Assistance applications open on November 1, 2024, and close on December 1, 2024. Current families must complete the application by this date, including submitting all relevant documents, to be considered for assistance. Applications submitted after December 1, 2024, will be processed with new family applications and will be subject to the availability of funds. Current families will be notified of their tuition assistance awards for the 2025-2026 school year by February 3, 2025.

Tuition Assistance Process

The Tuition Assistance process involves several steps:

Application: Families must fill out the FAST tuition assistance application form. The application process is self-guided, and applicants can save and return to their application at any time. FAST provides a 24/7/365 helpline at 1-877-326-3728. A helpful user guide is also available.
Application Fee: A \$53 application fee is collected by FAST upon completion of the application and can be paid with a major credit card. Families without a credit card can contact Mario Porro, Business Officer, for assistance at 214-691-6950.
Document Submission: Required documents must be submitted within two weeks of the application submission date for verification purposes. Documents can be uploaded via the FAST system.
Application Review: The Tuition Assistance committee reviews the application, utilizing a report and recommendations from FAST. The committee typically meets weekly to review applications promptly as they are received.
Award Notification: A determination of award letter will be sent to families typically within one week of receiving the final FAST documentation. Families must reapply for financial aid each year, as the amount of assistance can vary based on available funds and the family’s changing financial situation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tuition Assistance

Winston Prep addresses several common questions regarding tuition assistance:

Non-Working Parent: If a parent of school-age children chooses not to work, The Winston School imputes an annual income of \$15,000 for the non-working parent.
Divorced or Separated Parents/Guardians: The aid committee considers the financial resources of both parents, regardless of their marital status. Both parents are required to submit all required financial documentation, including annual tax returns, as The Winston School is not bound by court orders regarding financial responsibility for a student's education.
Incomplete Tax Return: Returning families are not required to submit their 2024 tax return. The business office will utilize documents submitted for the current school year and contact them directly should additional documents be required. New families must submit their 2024 tax return as a mandatory component of their financial aid application. It is advised to complete the return as soon as possible to apply in a timely manner for the best chance for an award.
Admission/Enrollment Fee Waivers: Winston Prep does not offer admission fee or enrollment waivers at this time.
Scholarships: The Winston School does not offer academic, athletic, or arts scholarships, nor does it offer full-tuition financial aid awards.
Expected Family Contribution: When asked on the application how much you will contribute toward your child’s educational expenses, applicants should carefully consider what they are able to pay toward tuition, rather than what they would like to pay. An independent school is an investment, and all families are asked to contribute to the investment to the extent they are financially able.
Income Discrepancies: Winston Prep recognizes that families may experience unexpected changes in their financial circumstances due to job loss, illness, or other life events.

Winston Prep: A Community Focused on Individual Growth

Winston Preparatory School is more than just a school; it's a community. Winston Prep provides an inclusive community where teachers and students are kind, understanding, and supportive of each other. The school aims to make the admissions process simple, stress-free, and intuitive, with admissions experts available to provide additional support.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend Open Houses to understand their child’s learning profile and Winston Prep’s mission and educational philosophy. Professionals interested in learning more about Winston Prep are also welcome to attend.

Winston Prep utilizes a rolling admissions process throughout the school year. Applications are reviewed by the Director of Admissions, and if a child’s learning profile fits with the school’s educational philosophy, the Admissions team will contact the family to schedule a school visit.

The school is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Admissions policies conform to the National Association of Independent Schools’ (NAIS) Principles of Good Practice for Admission to Independent Schools. Winston Prep is committed to serving students with learning disabilities and a diverse population of students, accepting students of all races, nationalities, and ethnic groups.

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