Tuition and Financial Assistance

Tuition for 2016–2017

K–4: $28,575
5–8: $32,025

Keys offers three payment plans: 1 payments, 2 payments (60%, 40%), 10 payments. There is a one-time only new Student Enrollment Fee (K–8) of $2,500. Keys comprehensive tuition includes all overnight and day field trips, outdoor education trips, most school supplies, team sports and equipment, and before school care.

Additional Optional fees include:
Hot Lunch Program through Choicelunch (optional)
Lower School (K–4) After School Program Fee Options:

  • Annual Contract:  $2,750 or $300/month (3:30pm – 5:00pm, Monday-Friday)
  • Annual Contract: $3,750 or $425/month (3:30pm – 6:00pm, Monday-Friday)
  • Daily Drop-In Rate: $30 until 5:00pm, or $35 until 6:00 pm

Middle School (5–8) Extended Day Program Fee Options:

  • Annual Contract: $2,750 or $300/month (3:30pm – 5:00pm, Monday-Friday)
  • Annual Contract: $3,750 or $425/month (3:30pm – 6:00pm, Monday-Friday)
  • Daily Rate: $30 per day until 5:00pm, or $45 until 6:00pm

Financial Assistance

An important part of the Keys School mission is to maintain a diverse student body. One way we can do that is by providing financial assistance. Keys School has budgeted over $730,000 in financial assistance for 2016–2017 school year.

Any family can apply with a need, small or large. Your application will be kept confidential and in no way impacts admission decisions. Keys School sends data submitted by families to School and Student Services (SSS) by NAIS to evaluate financial assistance requests and to offer awards based on financial circumstances.

Finance Assistance FAQ

Does Keys School grant financial assistance?

Yes, financial assistance is funded through the general operating budget.

Why does the School have a financial assistance program?

The financial assistance program is one way we can maintain broad socio-economic diversity and ensure a diverse and stimulating student body. This financial assistance is also designed to support and retain present families who may be going through temporary economic difficulties.

Who can apply for financial assistance?

Any parent is welcome to apply. Financial assistance is granted first to students whose families are currently receiving financial assistance, followed by current families applying for the first time, and lastly to new enrollees. The grants are not only for those in the most dire need, but are also intended for anyone with a need, small or large.

How much financial assistance will I receive?

The amount varies depending on financial circumstance. It can be as little as a few hundred dollars or cover a major part of the school’s annual tuition. The Keys system is based on financial need and the availability of funds within the budget.

How do I apply for financial assistance?

To apply for financial assistance, go to School and Student Services (SSS) by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). Keys uses the services of this independent national organization to estimate the family’s resources. SSS then independently evaluates a family’s financial means to determine suggested financial assistance. The Keys Financial Assistance Committee uses this and any other information from the family to help make financial assistance decisions.

What are the deadlines for financial assistance?

January 20, 2017: Complete the Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) online AND submit electronic copies of your 2015 1040 tax return and all supporting documents directly to SSS.

March 8, 2017: Submit your 2016 1040 tax return and all supporting documents directly to SSS.

Please refer to the SSS website for a full listing of financial documents required by Keys School. The Financial Assistance Committee determines financial assistance to coincide with re-enrollment agreement mailing in February and new enrollee agreement mailings in March.

If you believe that assistance may be necessary, but you cannot meet the deadlines, please contact our Director of Finance and Operations. Note that any financial assistance offer is contingent upon submission and verification of all financial documents. Late submission or lack of submission of required documents jeopardizes a financial assistance offer. Keys School reserves the right to rescind any financial assistance offer due to late submission, non-submission, impropriety, and inconsistent submissions of any and all required documents.

Can I be assured that my financial assistance application is treated privately?

All applications, including family financial information and the names of people who receive financial assistance are kept strictly confidential. The Keys’ Director of Finance and Operations and Head of School are the only individuals who have access to financial assistance information.

Where can I obtain additional information?

Please visit sss.nais.org/parents for a complete list of resources and to begin your financial assistance application process. The Parents Financial Statement form (PFS) and Instruction Booklet can be found here.

For tuition and financial assistance information please contact:
Steven Smith, Director of Finance and Operations
Tel: 650-328-1711, ext. 203