Our goal is to make tuition affordable for all families. Davidson Academy considers it a vital part of our mission to make our program available to as many mission-appropriate students in the Middle Tennessee area as we can.
Economic diversity enriches our school’s educational environment. Because the school is determined to make a Davidson Academy education accessible to many families from various economic backgrounds, the school offers a process to customize tuition to fit your family's financial position.
Financial Aid is available for families who might find it financially challenging to pay the full tuition amount. If you think you might qualify for a tuition discount, click hereto apply for Financial Aid.
Included in tuition are: technology device lease and usage fee, textbooks, and instructional materials. NOT included in tuition (most of which are optional): device, school uniforms (NOT optional), food service, bus transportation, before and after school care (included in tuition for K3 & K4 ONLY), extended programs, out-of-town school trips, and extracurriculars.
Variable Tuition is a needs-based tuition assistance program similar to those used by many private schools, colleges, and universities. This program allows families to apply for reduced tuition that fits their family’s financial situation. Thus, this makes a DA education affordable to many qualified students who could not otherwise join our school community.
Any family, current or new, of a K3 through twelfth-grade student may apply for Variable Tuition if they are concerned about affording the full tuition rate at Davidson Academy.Many factors are considered when determining the tuition amount a family is able to pay, including income, assets, unusual expenses, family size, etc.
An application for Variable Tuition does not affect the re-enrollment or admission process. Regardless of financial need, parents should initiate the re-enrollment or admission process as early as possible.
Families may apply for Variable Tuition right away. Once our confidential, third-party administrator - SMART AID - notifies us whether you qualify or not, we will notify you immediately. However, we cannot fully confirm the award amount until the school application is completed and your student is accepted.
It is not possible for a family or the school to estimate the tuition level for which a family qualifies without the completion of a Variable Tuition application. The application is submitted directly to SMART AID and includes a submission of your latest tax return. SMART AID evaluates the application based on criteria set by the school and makes a recommendation to the school’s Variable Tuition team. Families are notified of the tuition level for which they qualify from the school’s admission office. Unfortunately, the school is not able to provide Variable Tuition to every deserving student. We work with the available resources to make the school accessible to as many students and families as possible.
Typically, you will be notified within two weeks of providing all required information to our confidential third-party service and upon the completion of all steps in the (school) admission process.
Yes. For new students, application to Davidson Academy and application for Variable Tuition are two separate processes. However, new families may complete both application processes simultaneously.
All new students must meet conduct and academic standards for admission. Each applicant must go through the application process and testing. Admission standards will be the same for all students, regardless of the Variable Tuition process.
No. Admission applications and Variable Tuition applications are evaluated separately, and an application for Variable Tuition has no bearing on the admission process.
A wide range of families with a variety of circumstances qualify for the program, from those who are able to pay close to full tuition to those who have a demonstrated need. Many factors are evaluated, including: income, assets, unusual expenses, family size, etc.
No. Every family is required to make a financial investment in their child’s education. Our commitment to providing Variable Tuition means that we are sharing in that investment with you.
No. Unfortunately, the school does not have the ability to offer Variable Tuition to every student who qualifies for both admission andVariable Tuition. A student may be admitted to the school but placed on a waiting list. It is recommended that families apply for Variable Tuition as early as possible.
Even with reduced tuition, families will still be responsible to pay the $75 per student application fee for admission. Each student also incurs expenses, such as: device lease, school lunch (if the student eats at school), some optional extracurricular activities, basic school supplies, uniforms, and transportation and extended care/programs, if applicable.
Davidson Academy does not single out any particular group. Everyone is afforded the same opportunity to apply for and potentially receive Variable Tuition. Acceptance goes through a third party and their recommendation guides our Variable Tuition process. That process is need-blind, meaning it uses only the information provided in the application for Variable Tuition to determine a qualifying amount.
No. Davidson Academy has established maximum class sizes. Within those limits, we will continue to accept qualified, mission-appropriate students. If we get more students at a grade level than our ratio allows, we will start a waiting list and may open additional sections. However, we will not overfill classrooms to the detriment of instruction.
We do have space in some classrooms and grades, but only students who fit our enrollment requirements will be considered. Potential students must still meet our behavioral and academic standards to be admitted.
Yes. Re-enrolling DA students who submit an application by the published deadline will receive priority consideration. Click here to see the re-enrollment deadlines.
Yes, the processes are separate, but can be done simultanesouly. Qualification for Variable Tuition can be confirmed immediately. However, the qualifying amount will be awarded upon completion of the re-enrollment application.
A wide range of families with a variety of circumstances qualify for the program. Many factors are evaluated, including: income, assets, unusual expenses, family size, etc. Our goal is to make a high quality, Christian education affordable to as many mission-appropriate families as possible.
No. Every family is required to make a financial investment in their child’s education. Our commitment to providing Variable Tuition means that we are sharing in that investment with you.
No. DA has established preferred maximum class sizes. Within those limits, we will continue to accept qualified, mission-appropriate students. If we get more students at a grade level than our preferred ratio allows, we will start a waiting list and may open an additional section. We are committed to not overfill classrooms to the detriment of instruction.
If a family qualifies for one of our discount programs (multi-child, alumni, etc..) andVariable Tuition then they will be awarded no more than their highest qualifying amount. Multiple discounts may be combined to reach the total.
Yes, you may submit your last tax return. However, when your most current tax return is complete, submit those documents to SMART AID and they will update your current information.