Tuition Model

Our Tuition Model

St. Elizabeth’s School is committed to enrolling a truly inclusive and diverse school community. Essential to this policy is our individualized tuition system or sliding scale that eliminates the categories of “scholarship” or “financial aid.” We act with grace, generosity, and humility to center equity, access, and inclusion in our tuition model. Tuition for incomes between $26,000 and $200,000 will be calculated within our scale at 2.5% to 10.5% of adjusted gross income.

What is the Sliding Scale?

St. Elizabeth’s School calculates tuition individually for each student. Our 2024–2025 tuition ranges from $220–$21,000. For families with income under $200,000, the tuition calculation is based on the Adjusted Gross Income from your 2022 Federal Tax Return. Details and a helpful chart will be provided during the application process.  Families with incomes under $230,000 will receive a tuition discount for a second child enrolled. Families with three or more children will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

2 out of 34,576

St. Elizabeth’s is just one of two private schools nationwide using a sliding-scale tuition model to ensure socio-economic balance in every grade.


Included in Tuition All Students Routine Academic Support & Enrichment Classroom Supplies Art Supplies Chromebook or PC in Grades 3-8 Counseling: Classroom and Small-Group School Day Field Trips Yearbook Lower School Classroom and Small-Group Learning Support 5th Grade Overnight Trip Middle School Clubs Middle School Fall Overnight Trip 7th Grade Spring Overnight Trip 8th Grade Spring Multi-Night Trip Not Included in Tuition Extended Day Care After-School Enrichment Classes Middle School After-School Sports Tuition Refund Insurance

How can St. Elizabeth's offer the Sliding-Scale Tuition?

Approximately 65% of our operating expenses are covered by philanthropy, which funds the difference between full-pay tuition and individualized tuition for around 67% of our students. Currently, philanthropy also covers the cost difference to educate a child at St. Elizabeth’s—$23,500—and full tuition.


What happens if my financial situation changes after my child is enrolled?

The Family Commitment Plan, designed to calculate a family’s just and fair tuition, may be re-evaluated at any time.


What are the payment options for tuition?

Annual tuition payments begin in July of every year. There is a non-refundable enrollment deposit that is submitted when the contract is signed, and the deposit is directly applied to the tuition total. The remaining balance can be paid all at once, or in three or ten equal payments. We have an electronic billing system. Payments can be made online or direct deposited on a monthly basis. Cash and checks are also accepted.


Are there additional annual fees?

St. Elizabeth’s School works very hard to make sure every student is able to fully participate in all school programming. There are almost no additional fees above and beyond tuition. Any fees associated with field trips, overnight trips, in-school and after-school activities are offered with a suggested donation range. Those who are unable to pay have access to funding.

Please call our Admissions Office at 303-322-4209 x15 for a tuition estimate.

St. Elizabeth’s School is grateful to the Manhattan Country School, an inclusively enrolled urban independent day school founded in 1966, for allowing us to replicate its highly successful sliding scale tuition model.

Non-Discrimination Policy

St. Elizabeth’s School admits students of any race, color, religion, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national and ethnic origin in administration of its education and admissions policies, scholarships and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.