Financing an independent school education requires a significant financial commitment. However, we hope that you will find the Harlem Academy approach to be thoughtful and fair. Our goal at Harlem Academy is to reflect the economic diversity of Harlem by providing access to families representing a full spectrum of economic backgrounds.   

The high cost of education at most independent schools should not deter prospective families from applying to Harlem Academy. We strongly believe that a family's financial commitment should be in proportion to its financial resources.  Tuition for each student is based on a sliding scale and is determined after a review of the family's Tuition Worksheet.  No family is ever turned away because of financial reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a family’s tuition commitment determined? 
Does Harlem Academy have any merit scholarships? 
Will a family’s tuition commitment change from year to year? 
If a parent is not living with a child, will the school still expect the parent’s finances to be considered in determining a family’s tuition commitment? 
Will a family’s tuition commitment have any effect on admissions? 
What if a family’s circumstances change from year to year or a second child is admitted to the school? 
What is the tuition payment plan? 
When will we be notified as to our actual tuition fee? 
What other resources does Harlem Academy use to finance education? 
How confidential is this application?  

How is a family’s tuition commitment determined? All families applying to Harlem Academy must complete a Tuition Worksheet and submit a copy of their Federal Tax Return filed from the previous year.  Tuition for each student is then determined on a sliding scale based on a percentage of the family’s income.

Does Harlem Academy have any merit scholarships?  No. All tuition decisions are made solely on the basis of demonstrated need.  No adjustments are made based on academic, artistic, or athletic merit.  

Will a family’s tuition commitment change from year to year?  Tuition is recalculated each year using current family information.  If there is little to no change in family circumstances a family can expect that tuition charges will be renewed at a similar level, but that some increases in the cost of the education may be reflected in moderate tuition increases. 

If a parent is not living with a child, will the school still expect the parent’s finances to be considered in determining a family’s tuition commitment?  Yes, every effort should be made to assess all of the resources available to the student in determining tuition commitment from the family.  In the event that a parent who is not living with the child is unable or unwilling to participate in the tuition commitment process, the custodial parent or guardian must communicate directly with the Head of School.  The custodial parent or guardian may be asked to write a formal letter to the Head of School explaining the situation. 

Will a family’s tuition commitment have any effect on admissions?  No, it is important to note that a family’s financial position has no bearing upon the admission committee’s decision.  Applications for admission and tuition commitment are considered independently by the Admissions and Tuition Committees, respectively. 

What if a family’s circumstances change from year to year or a second child is admitted to the school?  Since tuition is recalculated each year, tuition could be increased or decreased based on changes to a family’s financial position.  A family with more than one child enrolled at the school may be eligible for a discount and should consult with the Head of School. 

What is the tuition payment plan?  Tuition will be billed as a deposit followed by three installments.  The first installment is due by August 15th, preceding the opening of school. The second and third installments must be received no later than November 15th and February 15th, respectively.

When will we be notified as to our actual tuition fee?  Enrollment contracts are sent to parents of newly admitted students along with their letter of acceptance.   

What other resources does Harlem Academy use to finance education?  The school’s approach to tuition requires that significant portions of operating and campus construction costs are raised through voluntary contributions.  These contributions come from a variety of sources including: parents, churches, foundations, corporations, and other individual donors.