Frequently Asked Questions about Individualized Tuition

Is there a minimum amount?

No. Our tuition is technically a sliding scale from $0-$24,500. $0 dollars recognizes our commitment to the principle of no one turned away for lack of funds. The high-end of the scale reflects our commitment to redistribution and access, asking that families who can pay more do so, in support of those who cannot. Rather than asking families to self assess and choose how much to offer, we use TADS as a simple, yet robust way to take into consideration the many factors that make up a family’s ability to pay.

How does TADS determine the individualized tuition?

TADS uses customized formulas and financial documents to assess household income and assets and then adjusts these numbers based on other factors including housing and medical expenses, family size, debt, etc. They have support available for families throughout the process. For more details, you can visit the TADS website.

How long does TADS take to complete?

The more complex your financial circumstances, the longer TADS will take. According to the company, most families can expect to spend 1-2 hours. Some families have shared that you should expect to spend the time you might typically need to file your taxes. Gathering your records ahead of time can be a big time saver.

Can I opt out of the TADS process?

Yes. Families who would prefer not to complete the individualized tuition application will be asked to pay the maximum tuition amount of $24,500.

If families wish to opt out for non-financial reasons, as a result of some barrier related to the TADS process, please contact us to discuss your individual situation so we can look for an alternative solution.

Is there a trial option?

Watershed Schoolhouse offers a two-week, risk-free trial. If after beginning enrollment, your family is unsatisfied with the school, you can receive a full refund for tuition, less the initial application fee of $50.

Are there other fees?

Watershed Schoolhouse charges a $50 application fee, and TADS charges a $60 application processing fee, both of which can be waived if a family finds them cost prohibitive.

What if my family has more than one child enrolled at the school?

TADS gathers information about family size and sibling enrollment and factors this into the overall recommended family contribution, typically dividing the contribution equally between the siblings, if all the other factors are the same.

What if our family’s financial situation changes significantly mid-year?

Families will be asked to re-apply for individualized tuition each year to account for changes in their financial circumstances. In most cases, tuition will remain roughly the same, adjusting for annual tuition increases. In a few cases, aid amounts may change year-to-year, reflecting a dramatic change in a family’s financial circumstances. We recognize that some changes are unforeseen and sudden, and are happy to meet with enrolled families to figure out a solution.

Isn’t this complex and a lot of work?

While this process is perhaps initially unfamiliar (and requires a base level of financial literacy), it represents an innovative, equity-based approach to addressing financial needs in the context of a truly complex, global financial system founded on centuries of exploitation, extraction, and rising inequality. We see this work as part of our broader educational aims to help reimagine and create new systems. TADS offers support (in English and Spanish) to families throughout the process if there are questions, problems, etc. There is also more work initially, but then returning families typically have a simplified process.

Is there a maximum tuition?

Yes. The maximum tuition is $24,500. Despite lagging behind global targets for education spending, the average per student spending for K-12 public/charter schools in the United States is roughly $16,080*. Assuming some families will only be able to contribute on the low-end of the tuition scale, setting the high-end of tuition at $24,500 accounts for this. The maximum tuition represents an equity-based financial contribution from families with more access to financial resources toward the thriving of the whole community.

*Education Data Initiative

Why is there such a large tuition range?

The large range of tuition reflects the massive wealth disparity in the world, both between the global north and south, and within the global north. As just one stark example, in 2020, the three richest men in the United States owned more wealth than half all other Americans combined. This gap is widening.

Can the school make enough money this way?

In order to make up the gap in revenue, we rely on the creativity and generosity of the families and community, including donations and grants from supporters of this vision for a different way of educating our young ones as well as volunteers and creative forms of meeting the collective needs. This is part of community supported education.

If all of the interested families were unable to contribute anything financially, it is true that the model might not be viable long term. It is also true that, from a number of vantage points, neither are many of our current, mainstream models.

What is the refund policy?

All deposits and application fees are non-refundable. Due to budgeting and hiring cycles, tuition payments are non-refundable except in extenuating circumstances. In extenuating circumstances there is the option, at the discretion of the school, for a pro-rated refund based on the portion of the school year enrolled, less a withdrawal fee.

For new families, there is a two-week, risk-free trial. See above.