Tuition and Financial Aid
Your investment in a Lancaster Country Day School education is an important decision that will add value to your child's future. Lancaster Country Day School is a nonprofit institution governed by an independent, self-perpetuating Board of Trustees. The School does not receive funding from the local or federal government or religious organizations and is totally dependent on tuition payments and charitable contributions to pay teachers’ salaries, benefits, operating expenses and supplies for our students. As in most independent schools, tuition does not cover the full cost of educating each student.
For a current tuition schedule, please call the Admission Office.
Financial Aid
We are committed to putting a Lancaster Country Day School education within a family’s financial reach, whether through need-based financial aid or monthly payment programs. We would be happy to sit down with you to discuss your options. It is important to note that application for financial aid in no way affects admission decisions. Our foremost priority is matching a student with our School to ensure a rewarding experience at Lancaster Country Day School.
About 20% of the student population receives over $1 million in financial aid that is awarded yearly. To qualify for an award, families must demonstrate financial need. The application process begins in January.
Deadlines are important! Due to the demand for financial aid each year, our funds are allocated quickly. Eligible families whose applications for financial aid are filed after the deadlines or whose applications are incomplete by the deadlines may find the amount of financial aid extremely limited or depleted. Don’t wait until you’ve completed the admission process or you income tax return to start the financial aid process.
If you have any questions about the School’s financial aid program, please contact the School’s Business Manager. All information supplied is held in the strictest confidence.
How to apply
Lancaster Country Day School utilizes the services of School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS). SSS provides a need-based financial aid analysis system for many independent schools and private colleges.
- Parents applying for financial aid must submit an SSS application to Pittsburgh and specify that the evaluation is to be forwarded to Lancaster Country Day School (School Code 4498). Financial aid applications and information can be obtained at LCDS’s business office, or you can apply online at The School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS)
- Send a photocopy of your signed, final 2007 Federal Income Tax Returns (Form 1040 for parents and student applicant), all schedules as filed with the IRS, plus copies of all applicable Wage and Tax Statements (W-2 forms) to the business office as soon as possible, but no later than April 1st (March 15 for Kindergarten applicants). Do not send tax information to Pittsburgh as it will likely be lost and will only delay your application.
- If you are separated or divorced, or never married, it is your responsibility to ensure that your child’s non-custodial parent completes a separate Parent’s Financial Statement. This form should be completed and mailed to the Business Office no later than March 15. Please contact the Business Office and request that the form be mailed to the address you supply. Additionally, the non-custodial parent is required to submit IRS Form 1040 and W-2 for self (and spouse, if married) as indicated above.
Payment Plan Options
As a service to parents, Lancaster Country Day School offers the following payment plans.
- One Annual Payment – 100% of the tuition balance can be paid by credit card or check by July 1.
- Two Installment Plan – 50% of the tuition balance will be paid by July 15 and the remaining 50% by January 2 by check.
- Monthly Electronic Payment Plan – 8, 10 or 12 monthly electronic payments will be drafted from a designated checking account. A $50 annual enrollment fee is due upon sign-up and purchase of tuition refund insurance at the rate of .85% of the annual tuition is required.
- Monthly Payment Plan by Check – 8, 10, or 12 monthly installment payments by check with a $150 annual enrollment fee and purchase of tuition refund insurance at the rate of .85% of the annual tuition is required.
