Student Tuition
Tuition for the 2020-2021 school year is $10,400 for grades 1-4 and $13,900 for grades 5-8. Chewonki partners with FACTs Tuition Management Company to offer a monthly plan for families who choose to schedule their tuition payments.
Tuition Assistance
We provide need-based financial aid to families seeking a high-quality academic experience that might otherwise be unavailable to them.
In 2019 approximately 23% of our enrolled students received some level of financial aid with an average award of $7,000. The ability to pay full tuition is not a deciding factor in our admissions process. Any student may apply for financial aid.
Families intending to apply for financial aid from Chewonki should fill out a Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) at sssbynais.org/parents. The fee is approximately $51 for application and you will receive a confirmation email directly after your submission. Learn more about our financial aid application process.
School Choice or Town Tuitioning
School Choice allows students from a town in Maine without a public school to attend either a public school in another town or a non-religious private school, with a portion of the tuition paid for by the town. Please check with your local town office or school administrative district to see if your family qualifies. Learn more about School Choice in Maine.
529 Education Savings Plans
While not tax-deductible, investment earnings in a 529 Education Savings Plan grow federal tax-free and will not be taxed when the money is taken out when used to pay for school. Federal tax law allows parents who have 529 plans to use their accounts to pay private school K-12 tuition up to $10,000 per child, per year.
Because there are a number of federal and state tax issues that may need to be worked out, you should contact your financial adviser or tax planner if you are interested in this option to pay tuition. Click here to read the details about the 529 tax plan requirements.
Additional School Expenses
Materials for the classroom (including books, art supplies, etc.) are included in the cost of tuition.
Families should expect additional costs from the following:
- Supplying a nutritious, protein-rich lunch and snack daily
- Providing sturdy, warm, waterproof outdoor gear for any season (see Gear List)
- Cross-country skis, poles, boots (available inexpensively at ski swaps or for lease at Midcoast Conservancy)
- Aftercare costs ($10 per use M-W-F; discounted 25% if paid ahead by trimester)