Tuition to Columbus Academy

We recognize that a family’s decision to enroll their child at our school is an important one, made through thoughtful consideration.

We are an expensive place, yet the benefits — extrinsic and intrinsic — that a child stands to receive here are many. At Academy, we spend almost twice the amount per student than nearby public schools. We have small classes, excellent teachers and lots of opportunities to participate and achieve in the arts and athletics, research and robotics. Our state-of-the-art facilities, including those afforded by our 231-acre wooded campus, create an incubator for dreaming and doing."

~ Melissa Soderberg, Head of School

 

Helpful Resources
  • 2024-25 Tuition Rates

    Lower School (Explorers – Grade 5)

    Explorers Program 
    *Tuition assistance is not available for our Explorers Program
    5 Mornings (required): $15,300
    5 Mornings (required) with M-W-F Afternoons: $19,900
    5 Mornings (required) with 5 Afternoons : $22,700

    Pre-Kindergarten
    5 mornings (required) Semester #1 and 5 Full Days (required) Semester #2: $19,700
    5 mornings (required) with M-W-F afternoons Semester #1 and 5 Full Days (required) Semester #2: $22,800
    5 mornings (required) with 5 afternoons Semester #1 and 5 Full Days (required) Semester #2: $24,400

    Kindergarten: $29,000
    Grades 1-2: $29,900
    Grades 3-4: $30,200
    Grade 5: $30,800

    Middle School (Grades 6-8)

    Grade 6: $31,400
    Grade 7: $31,700
    Grade 8: $31,900

    Upper School (Grades 9-12)

    Grade 9: $32,600
    Grade 10: $33,500
    Grade 11: $35,000
    Grade 12: $35,300

  • Need Based Tuition Assistance

    At Columbus Academy we understand that to be one of the premier independent day schools, we must enroll students with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. This includes talented and motivated students from families, some of whom are not able to afford to pay full tuition. We believe our diversity enriches every member of the Academy community. Tuition assistance is not available to those entering or currently enrolled in our Explorers Program.

    Tuition assistance is closed for the 2024-25 school year, but families are welcome to call our admissions office to discuss further.

    If you have any questions about need-based tuition assistance, please contact Director of Enrollment Management Adriana Matzke by emailing matzkea@columbusacademy.org, calling 614-509-2221 or click here to schedule a conversation.

    Columbus Academy uses Clarity to determine a family’s level of financial need. Need based grant determinations are made based on the information that families share about assets, income, expenses and debts.

    Important deadlines
    Current families: December 15, 2024
    New families: February 1, 2025

    The application for tuition assistance is available here (deadline for new families is February 1, 2025).

    Clarity Family Support (available in English and Spanish)

    All family support is available in Spanish and English. The Financial Assistance Application is available fully translated into Spanish using the drop-down in the lower-left corner.

    View the Clarity Quick Reference Guide in English or Spanish

    Clarity Family Information Webinars

    Register to attend a live webinar hosted by Clarity using the links listed below. These webinars include details about key aspects of the application, things to look out for, materials to gather, how to get help, how the tax verification process works and a robust Q&A. 

    Dec. 10 at 8:30 p.m. 
    *All times listed above are Eastern Standard Time

  • Merit Based Scholarships

    Columbus Academy offers merit scholarships to new incoming Grade 9 students who embody the abilities and values that represent the excellence of the Academy community and mission.

    Merit selection is based upon test scores, transcripts, recommendations and an initial review of all Grade 9 first-round applications, the Upper School Admissions Committee will select a group of merit scholarship semi-finalists from among those students whose applications will be accepted.

    Merit Scholarship semifinalists receive grants of $1,500 • Finalists receive grants up to half-tuition
    All grants are renewable through graduation while the recipient maintains a solid academic and social record.

    Note: Merit Scholarships are not awarded based on athletic interest, involvement or excellence. The Ohio High School Athletic Association’s (OHSAA) bylaws forbid athletic scholarships.

    If you have any questions regarding our Merit Based Scholarships, please contact Director of Admissions Patrick Skahan by emailing skahanp@columbusacademy.org or calling 614-509-2234.
  • Transportation

    Click here to learn more about bus transportation to our campus and view a map of bus stops.