"We prepare students to engage in the world that is and to help bring about a world that ought to be."
Admissions
Tuition & Affordability
Dear Friends,
Inherent to Friends Seminary’s mission to “prepare students to engage in the world that is and to help bring about a world that ought to be” is the unshakeable belief that students do their best learning when they are immersed in an equitable, representative, safe, and diverse community. For over two centuries, Friends Seminary has prioritized access and affordability for all interested families who share this vision.
Friends families have unfettered access to the full Friends experience regardless of their household incomes. We believe every family should feel a tremendous pride of place and a sense of belonging in our community. A family’s financial aid application status bears no weight during the admissions process, and our Financial Aid Committee process ensures a dignified and equitable experience for all applicant families. In addition to tuition aid packages, we also offer comprehensive ancillary aid in all three divisions so that students can immerse themselves in the School’s vibrant student life and community. (Scroll down to see how we support the Costs Beyond Tuition in each division.)
We know that each family’s story informs how we can best support their financial needs. We are eager to listen to, to partner with, and to advocate for families as they make a Friends education their reality. We look forward to welcoming you and working with you as you explore a truly transformative education at Friends Seminary.
Warmly,
Samantha Margles
Director of Financial Aid & Affordability and Associate Director of Admissions
smargles@friendsseminary.org
646-979-5043
Samantha Margles
Director of Financial Aid & Affordability and Associate Director of Admissions
smargles@friendsseminary.org
646-979-5043
Tuition and Fees
Below you’ll find the total cost of a year at Friends, including tuition, fees, books, breakfast and lunch, and all required trips. At Friends, we believe that affording the academic experience should be accessible to all families, regardless of their financial profile. In an effort to make Friends affordable to all, the School offers financial aid packages toward the total cost of tuition and fees.
Depending on students’ engagement in school life, there may be additional costs beyond tuition for optional experiences, like our global education trips or our after school programming. For families who receive financial aid, we offer support for most of these costs beyond tuition (see this page for more information). Part of our mission is to ensure that all students have access to the full depth and breadth of the Friends experience.
| 2025-2026 Tuition & Fees | |
| K-12 | $65,400 |
| New Student Fee | $2,500 (One-time fee upon enrollment; financial aid may apply towards this fee) |
PAYMENT PLANS
Upon enrollment or re-enrollment, we require a non-refundable deposit for new and returning families. For families receiving financial aid, the deposit amount is adjusted according to their percentage of aid and total tuition cost. To ensure families have a variety of ways to manage their balance, Friends offers three payment plans determined upon enrollment: a one-installment plan, a two-installment plan (payments in May and November), and a nine-installment plan (payments between April and December).
Applying for Aid
- Visit the Clarity Application.
-
-
-
Application deadline:
-
Returning families: All completed financial aid applications and the $60 fee must be submitted via Clarity by November 1, 2024.
-
Prospective families: All completed financial aid applications and the $60 fee must be submitted by December 15, 2024.
-
-
Fee Waivers: Fee waivers for the financial aid application are determined based on family income and are automatically applied by Clarity for qualifying applicants.
-
-
If you need support during the process of completing your financial aid application, Clarity offers in-app support. This is available through the “Help” button in the bottom left of the screen, as well as email and phone support at support@clarityapp.com or 206-210-3752. Support is available in both English and Spanish. The application itself is also fully translated into Spanish.
-
Clarity hosts several Application Info Webinars for families. During these live sessions, Clarity will go over some 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. Upcoming events include:
-
Costs Beyond Tuition
To ensure that all families have access to the full Friends experience, we are committed to offsetting additional program costs. If other costs present themselves throughout the school year, please reach out to Samantha Margles, the Associate Director of Admissions and Associate Director of Financial Aid & Affordability, to see what ancillary aid may be available.
Lower School
In addition to tuition aid packages, Friends offers…
- Application fee waivers for students who demonstrate financial need. Refer questions to the Associate Director of Admissions and Director of Financial Aid & Affordability .
- Free breakfast, lunch, and snacks to all Friends students. We invite all community members to join us for breakfast in the mornings beginning at 7:30 AM.
- All course materials, including books and technology for Grades K-8 students. Refer questions to the Divisional Office.
- Extended academic and support services, including testing, evaluations, tutoring, and therapeutic services for students based on their family’s percentage of aid. Division Heads must recommend and approve these services. Please speak with your student’s Division Head if you have any questions.
- Musical instruments that can be loaned or rented for the school year on a case-by-case need basis to students who receive financial aid packages and are enrolled in Friends music classes. Refer questions to the Associate Director of Admissions and Director of Financial Aid & Affordability .
- Full or half-fare Metrocards for all students residing in NYC depending on age and distance. Refer questions to the Upper School Office.
- Brooklyn and West Side Bus transportation is provided by a private bus company in the morning, as long as the minimum number of students subscribe to this service. Please call the Admissions Office for more information x5042. Financial assistance is available for families who receive financial aid.
- Free NYC Board of Education bus service for all Grades K-6 students residing in Lower Manhattan or on the Upper East Side. Refer questions to the Lower School Office.
- Friends events (including the Benefit and PA events) at a discounted rate for families receiving financial aid packages or in other situations of financial need. Refer questions to the Associate Director of Admissions and Director of Financial Aid & Affordability.
- Early Bird (FREE) (7:45–8:25 AM; Grades K-4)
Supervised play and breakfast before the school day begins. Refer questions to the Extended Programs Office. - Extended Programs at a discounted rate based on a student’s percentage of aid. This includes:
- After Owls (3:10-4:30 PM; Grades K-4)
A diverse range of after school programming that families may opt-into from once a week to every school day. Students receive a discount based on their percentage of financial aid (up to 75%) on the base rate cost; there is no base rate cost for students who receive more than 89% financial aid. Some After Owls programming may include workshop fees that are ineligible for financial aid discounts. Refer questions to the Extended Programs Office. - Extended Day (4:30–5:30 PM; Grades K-4)
Extended Day offers an additional hour of supervision and a nutritious snack once After Owls programming concludes. Students in Grades K-2 have free play, quiet games, or crafts & art activities. Students in Grades 3-6 receive homework support and organizational guidance or may independently read. Students receive a discount based on their percentage of financial aid on the base rate cost; there is no base rate cost for students who receive more than 89% financial aid. Refer questions to the Extended Programs Office. - Childcare during on-campus PA meetings free of charge for all families with a currently enrolled student.
- After Owls (3:10-4:30 PM; Grades K-4)
Middle School
In addition to tuition aid packages, Friends offers…
- Application fee waivers for students who demonstrate financial need. Refer questions to the Associate Director of Admissions and Director of Financial Aid & Affordability .
- Free breakfast, lunch, and snacks to all Friends students. We invite all community members to join us for breakfast in the mornings beginning at 7:30 AM.
- All course materials, including books and Chromebooks for Grade 5-8 students. Refer questions to the Divisional Office.
- Faculty assistance, peer tutoring, and independent study for all Grade 7-12 students for no additional cost in the Chapman Academic Center (7:30am-4:30pm). Refer questions to the Divisional Office.
- Extended academic and support services, including testing, evaluations, tutoring, and therapeutic services for students based on their family’s percentage of aid. Division Heads must recommend and approve these services. Please speak with your student’s Division Head if you have any questions.
- Athletic Equipment for team sports, including uniforms and required equipment, at no charge.
- Musical instruments that can be loaned or rented for the school year on a case-by-case need basis to students who receive financial aid packages and are enrolled in Friends music classes. Refer questions to the Associate Director of Admissions and Director of Financial Aid & Affordability.
- Full or half-fare Metrocards for all students residing in NYC depending on age and distance. Refer questions to the Upper School Office.
- Brooklyn and West Side Bus transportation is provided by a private bus company in the morning, as long as the minimum number of students subscribe to this service. Please call the Admissions Office for more information x5044. Financial assistance is available for families who receive financial aid.
- Free NYC Board of Education bus service for all Grades K-6 students residing in Lower Manhattan or on the Upper East Side. Refer questions to the Lower School Office.
- Friends events (including the Benefit and PA events) at a discounted rate for families receiving financial aid or in other situations of financial need. Refer questions to the Associate Director of Admissions and Director of Financial Aid & Affordability.
- Extended Programs at a discounted rate based on a student’s percentage of aid. This includes:
- After Owls (3:10-4:30 PM; Grades 5-6)
A diverse range of after school programming that families may opt-into from once a week to every school day. Students receive a discount based on their percentage of financial aid (up to 75%) on the base rate cost; there is no base rate cost for students who receive more than 89% financial aid. Some After Owls programming may include workshop fees that are ineligible for financial aid discounts. Refer questions to the Extended Programs Office. - Extended Day (4:30–5:30 PM; Grades 5-6)
Extended Day offers an additional hour of supervision and a nutritious snack once After Owls programming concludes. Students in Grades K-2 have free play, quiet games, or crafts & art activities. Students in Grades 3-6 receive homework support and organizational guidance or may independently read. Students receive a discount based on their percentage of financial aid on the base rate cost; there is no base rate cost for students who receive more than 89% financial aid. Refer questions to the Extended Programs Office. - Childcare during on-campus PA meetings free of charge for all families with a currently enrolled student.
- After Owls (3:10-4:30 PM; Grades 5-6)
Upper School
In addition to tuition aid packages, Friends offers…
- Application fee waivers for students who demonstrate financial need. Refer questions to the Associate Director of Admissions and Director of Financial Aid & Affordability.
- Free breakfast, lunch, and snacks to all Friends students. We invite all community members to join us for breakfast in the mornings beginning at 7:30 AM.
- All course materials, including books and calculators for Grades 9-12 students. Refer questions to the Divisional Office.
- One-time reimbursement for a laptop purchase for students who are new to the Upper School and receive financial aid packages. All laptop purchases must meet the school’s technology requirements (Please contact the Technology Department). Reimbursement amounts depend on a student’s percentage of aid. Please contact the Associate Director of Admissions and Director of Financial Aid & Affordability for more details.
- Faculty assistance, peer tutoring, and independent study for all Grade 7-12 students for no additional cost in the Chapman Academic Center (7:30am-4:30pm). Refer questions to the Divisional Office.
- Extended academic and support services, including testing, evaluations, tutoring, and therapeutic services for students based on their family’s percentage of aid. Division Heads must recommend and approve these services. Please speak with your student’s Division Head if you have any questions.
- Brooklyn and West Side Bus transportation is provided by a private bus company in the morning, as long as the minimum number of students subscribe to this service. Please call the Admissions Office for more information x5044. Financial assistance is available for families who receive financial aid.
- Athletic Equipment for team sports, including uniforms and required equipment, at no charge. Aid is available to students who demonstrate financial need for required equipment beyond uniforms on Varsity and Junior Varsity teams. Refer questions to the Associate Director of Admissions and Director of Financial Aid & Affordability.
- Musical instruments that can be loaned or rented for the school year on a case-by-case need basis to students who receive financial aid packages and are enrolled in Friends music classes. Refer questions to the Associate Director of Admissions and Director of Financial Aid & Affordability.
- Full or half-fare Metrocards for all students residing in NYC depending on age and distance. Refer questions to the Upper School Office.
- School trips discounts at a percentage of aid discount (up to 75%) on the total cost of the trip (transportation, food, fees, and lodging, if applicable) for students who receive financial aid packages. This aid can be applied to all music trips, sports trips and/or camps, and Global Education trips (one international and one domestic trip in a student’s career). Refer questions to the Associate Director of Admissions and Director of Financial Aid & Affordability.
- College Board/ACT exam fee assistance and waivers for students who meet the federal guidelines. Refer questions to the College Counseling Office.
- Discounted ACT or SAT one-on-one tutoring for Grade 11 students.
- School-organized college tour, traditionally hosted during spring break by the College Counseling Office. A discount on the total cost of the trip is available based on a student's percentage of aid (up to 75%) for one tour during the student’s career at Friends. Additional financial support may be available through the tour company. Refer questions to the College Counseling Office.
- Friends events (including the Benefit and PA events) at a discounted rate for families receiving financial aid packages or in other situations of financial need. Refer questions to the Associate Director of Admissions and Director of Financial Aid & Affordability.
Tuition FAQ
Who should apply for financial aid?
Anyone who cannot afford to pay full tuition should apply for financial aid. All financial aid packages are based on a family’s financial need; we do not offer merit-based scholarships. Over 20% of our student body receives a financial aid package to offset the cost of tuition. Financial aid packages range from 5% to 99% of the school’s tuition.
What is the process of awarding financial aid packages?
The financial aid application process is personalized and confidential. We consider a family’s size, their circumstances, and we strive to meet the needs of as many families as possible. We expect that all families applying for aid will be forthcoming with their financial information as we seek to understand individual profiles.
When will we find out what our financial aid package is?
Financial aid packages are shared in the re-enrollment contracts and simultaneously with admissions decisions.
Do we have to apply for financial aid every year?
Yes, all families must complete a financial aid application and submit requested financial documents every year that they apply for financial aid. Additionally, all tuition balances and other school accounts must be paid in full before a family can be considered for a financial aid package.
Can we expect the same aid every year?
Each year, tuition increases happen for most families. Families receiving aid can expect continued financial support in line with their demonstrated need. If a family experiences significant financial changes, for better or worse, in any given year, tuition awards will be adjusted accordingly.
What other costs exist for families enrolled at Friends?
Friends aims to include most costs of attending school in tuition but sometimes additional expenses, for experiences such as events, trips, or activity fees, arise. Families receiving financial aid may also qualify for support for these costs beyond tuition. Please see the Costs Beyond Tuition pages for more details.
Is it possible to apply for financial aid after enrolling at Friends as a family that pays full tuition?
Before enrolling at Friends, we encourage families to carefully assess their capacity to afford the long-term educational experience of attending an independent school. If initially accepted without, or not currently receiving, a financial aid package, a family should not expect to receive financial aid at Friends. After enrolling at Friends without financial aid, a family may not be considered for a financial aid award for at least three years.
What if I have more questions about financial aid at Friends?
We invite all families who are applying for financial aid to attend the Affording Friends webinar, Thursday, November 21, 2024 (6-7 pm). Join us to learn more about our financial aid process. (Register first through Ravenna and then with Zoom.)
Questions about Financial Aid & Affordability or Costs Beyond Tuition:
Questions about Payment Plans and Tuition Amounts Due:
Questions about Navigating the Contract or Re-Enrollment:
Questions about Clarity:
Contact Clarity’s support team at 206-210-3752 or support@clarityapp.com. Support and the application itself are available in English and Spanish.
Quaker Families
The Endowment for the Education of Quaker Students:
In 2012, the Friends Seminary School Committee established a fund to ensure that children of Quaker families admitted to the School are supported financially so that they may benefit from an education at Friends Seminary.
The Gilmore Fund for Quakers:
This fund provides financial aid for Quaker students.
This fund provides financial aid for Quaker students.
The Friends Council on Education’s National Endowment for Quaker Children Fund:
The National Friends Education Fund (NFEF), administered by Friends Council on Education, provides tuition aid to support Quaker children in Friends schools across the country. The fund aims to increase the ability of Quaker families to afford to send their children to Friends schools. Friends schools value the presence and active participation of their Quaker families; and Quaker families, likewise, value the institutional missions and commitments of Friends schools. For this reason, Friends Council on Education joins the efforts of families, schools, and Monthly Meetings to provide tuition assistance for Quaker families who demonstrate need.
For Friends schools beyond the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Area, grants are available to children, grades K-12, of members of Monthly Meetings beyond the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting area and who are new to the school or have previously received a NEQC Pilot Program award. Families must meet financial need standards as determined by the school and at least one parent of a prospective student has been a member of a Monthly Meeting for a full year prior to the supported year.
Click here to access the FCE guidelines and application.
*Please note, individual Meetings may have their own education funds in addition to the ones listed above, so inquire about further support from your Meeting.
Friends Seminary — the oldest continuously operated, coeducational school in NYC — serves college-bound day students in Kindergarten-Grade 12.