Flexible Tuition

Introducing Flexible Tuition

Flexible Tuition allows different families to pay different amounts based on their unique financial circumstances. We work with a third party that determines the tuition amount that makes sense for each family. If the top range of Hyla's tuition feels out of reach based on based on your family’s budget, we encourage you to apply. We are happy to talk with you about our process and encourage you to get in touch and ask questions. Over 25% of Hyla families use our Flexible Tuition resources.

2024-2025 Tuition Range*:

Middle School: $4,275 - $28,275
Upper School: $4,875 - $30,875

*A limited number of families may pay as little as $1,000 per year, based on demonstrated need.

While our Flexible Tuition budget is generous, it is not unlimited. Families must follow the Flexible Tuition timeline in order to receive full consideration. Flexible Tuition requests are also evaluated based on available budget, number of applicants, and grade/space availability. An application for Flexible Tuition does not guarantee funds may be allocated.

Flexible Tuition Application

Deadline: The priority deadline for Flexible Tuition is February 1, 2024. Applications are still being accepted after this date. Please note: after February 1, Flexible Tuition is based on the availability of funds remaining after the initial application cycle.

Demonstrated Need: Flexible tuition is awarded to families who demonstrate need through an independent agency, called Clarity. This service is used by independent schools nation-wide to determine what portion of tuition a family can pay. Clarity sends their analysis directly to Hyla and their estimates guide our distribution process to help us make fair and objective decisions. While the school makes considerations for separated or divorced parents, financial circumstances of both natural parents and related spouses/partners, if any, will be considered, and the above information is requested of them as well.

Applications: To get started, please go to the Clarity Application and create an account. The application typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete. The Clarity Application is also mobile-friendly so you can complete it from anywhere. You are also able to save your progress and return at any time. Additionally, Clarity removes the need to upload your 2022 W2 and 1040 by transferring them directly from the IRS. The Clarity submission fee is $60.  Some households will qualify to have this fee waived.

Confidentiality: Hyla's Flexible Tuition committee confidentially handles the flexible tuition review. Admissions decisions are need-blind, which means they are made independently of financial considerations; the admissions committee does not receive a list of names of those students applying for Flexible Tuition.

Merit Scholarship - Grades 9-12

Deadline: February 1, 2024. Availability of funds cannot be guaranteed for applications received after this date. Please note that the priority deadline for Flexible Tuition applications is also February 1, 2024; while we accept applications after this date, Flexible Tuition is based on the availability of funds remaining after the initial application cycle.  

Purpose: The Hyla Merit Scholarship fund exists to make our upper school program more accessible to more students. It is available to new students entering grades 9-12 (including current Hyla students moving from the middle school to the upper school). Merit Scholarship applications are reviewed by the Flexible Tuition Committee, which distributes available funds based on student qualifications, family financial need, and availability of funds.

Qualifications:

  • Student Merit: Hyla Merit Scholarships reflect our school values of inclusion, participation, accomplishment, sportsmanship, academic courage, self-awareness, social-emotional health, and service/activism. Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate their commitment, growth, accomplishment, and/or leadership in any of the following areas: academics, athletics, activism/service, and extra-curriculars.
  • Family Financial Need: The application also provides a place for families to demonstrate financial need. If a family's total household income is less than $250,000 per year, please also complete an application for Flexible Tuition through Clarity by February 1, 2024 (see above). Merit scholarship awards can supplement Flexible Tuition awards.

Application: Please click here for the Merit Scholarship application, which includes a student essay and parent portion.

Tuition, Value & Our Commitment to Affordability

Education is a significant investment with immeasurable impact and dividends that last a lifetime. We understand that choosing an independent school education represents a significant joint financial commitment by the school and our families. Since our founding in 1993, Hyla has invested in making sure that the education we provide is affordable for all families with a wide range of financial circumstances.

Our tuition reflects our deep commitments to:

  • Attracting and retaining exceptional teachers and providing them with professional development opportunities.
  • Creating close and caring connections between students and teachers with small class sizes and a typical student-teacher ratio of 15-to-1.
  • Nurturing the profound and lasting growth that happens during adolescence - neurobiological, intrapersonal, interpersonal and academic - with challenge, risk, and support.
  • Working collaboratively to honor the unique identity, voice, and path of each student.