Tuition and Financial Assistance

Tuition for 2024–2025

K–4: $42,100
5–8: $46,000

Keys offers three payment plans: 1 payment, 2 payments (60%, 40%), 10 payments. There is a one-time only new Student Enrollment Fee (K–8) of $2,000. 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 for 2024-2025

Hot Lunch Program through Choicelunch (optional)

After School Program Fee Options:

  • Annual Contract:  $3,755 or $475/month (3:30pm – 5:00pm, Monday-Friday)
    • 4-day = $3,335
    • 3-day = $2,645
    • 2-day = $1,860
  • Annual Contract: $5,010 or $590/month (3:30pm – 6:00pm, Monday-Friday)
    • 4-day = $4,335
    • 3-day = $3,395
    • 2-day = $2,355
  • Daily Drop-In Rate: $32.00 until 5:00pm, or $42.00 until 6:00 pm

Financial Assistance

Here at Keys, we believe in giving all qualified students who connect with our mission and vision an opportunity to attend. We reserve a substantial part of our annual budget to support our families with demonstrated financial need.  While our tuition assistance program allows us to welcome any family desiring a Keys education, it will not influence the selection process for acceptance.

All information needed to support the determination of financial need is submitted online through School and Student Services (SSS). This third-party evaluation provides the basis for which a decision of assistance is made. Total financial assistance offered is dependent upon the total demonstrated need of the applicants for the year, as well as the funding available. 

Important Dates:

  • January 24, 2025: Complete the Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) online AND submit electronic copies of all required 2022 documents directly to SSS.
  • February 21, 2025: Final date for submission of 2024 required documents directly to SSS. 

Required Documents:

  • W-2’s for 2023, 2024
  • 1099 (if applicable) for 2024, 2023
  • Tax return (Form 1040) for 2023

 

Please refer to the SSS website for full details. Your financial assistance award will be reflected in your enrollment agreement.  Note that any financial assistance offer is contingent upon the submission and verification of all financial documents.*

If you need help with the application process or you are unable to submit the required documents by the deadline, please contact Cathie Whalen, Director of Finance and Operations. 

 *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. Late submission or lack of submission of required documents jeopardizes a financial assistance offer.

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 designed to give all qualified students that connect with our mission and vision an opportunity to attend. 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/guardian 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). Keys uses the services of this 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 24, 2025: Complete the Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) online AND submit electronic copies of your 2023 W-2s, 2023 1099s, 2023 1040 tax return and all supporting documents directly to SSS.

February 21, 2025: Final date for submission of 2024 W-2s, 2024 1099s, 2024 1040 tax return and all required documents directly to SSS. 

Please refer to the SSS website for full details. 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 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 solutionsbysss.com/parents for a complete list of resources and to begin your financial assistance application process.

If you are considering a Financial Assistance application, we encourage you to begin exploring the steps and forms associated with that process as early as possible in order to give yourself ample time to locate documents, gather information and ask any questions that you may have.

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