Tuition & Affordability

Variable Tuition

Urban Prairie Waldorf School is committed to supporting economic diversity in our student body. The Variable Tuition program brings our multifaceted, engaging curriculum to Chicagoland families who seek an Urban Prairie education.

Every family adds value to the school community, and it is anticipated that each family who applies for Variable Tuition will hold their child’s education as a high financial priority. All Variable Tuition applications are kept strictly confidential and will be viewed only by TADS, our tuition management company, and our Variable Tuition Committee.

We use TADS to provide an objective and consistent method of determining a family’s ability to contribute to educational expenses. All applications must be completed online, and all required supplemental financial information must be sent directly to TADS. Please note that TADS will not process applications until all supplemental materials are received.

If you have any questions about our Variable Tuition program, feel free to contact Jennifer Zielinski, Dir of Enrollment Management at 312.858.4562 or jenn.zielinski@urbanprairie.org.

Early Childhood – Pre-K through Kindergarten

2 Day Range – $1,650 to $9,450

3 Day Range – $2,450 to $13,230

5 Day Range – $3,000 to $18,900

Elementary School – Grades 1 through 5

Range – $4,000 to $20,580

Middle School – Grades 6 through 8

Range – $4,000 to $20,895

Exclusions and exceptions: Supply Fees, instruments, and any tutoring, outside support, or music lessons are not covered in Variable Tuition.

Early Childhood Tuition

2-Day half $7,088

2-Day full $9,450

3-Day half $9,923

3-Day full $13,230

5-Day half $14,175

5-Day full $18,900

Lower School (Grades 1-5)

$20,580

Middle School (Grades 6-8)

$20,895

2023-24 After Care | 3:00 – 5:30 pm

Please contact Jenn ZIelinski at jenn.zielinski@urbanprairie.org with questions about the aftercare program.

All tuition and fee payments will be made through an automated tuition payment plan with TADS, our tuition management provider. Tuition can be paid in full or in semi-yearly, quarterly, 10, or 11 monthly installments beginning in April.

Note: All deposits, supply, and class trip fees are non-refundable.

Admission Fee

New Family Fee = $1,000

Early Childhood Supply Fees

Early Childhood 2 Day Program = $650
Early Childhood 3 Day Program = $650
Early Childhood 5 Day Program = $900

Grade School Supply Fees

Elementary School (Grades 1 – 5) = $1,350
Middle School (Grades 6 – 8) = $2050

Instrumental Rental Fees and Lessons

Students in 3rd through 8th grade can choose a violin or a cello. Students in 5th through 8th can choose or move to a viola. The school does not supply instruments so families will need to rent or purchase them. Private Lessons are recommended and typically start at $37 per ½ hour weekly. If a grade school student has never played before, private lessons are highly recommended. Urban Prairie does provide recommendations for rentals and lessons upon request. We want to ensure that all of our students have access to affordable instruments and lessons. If costs are a concern, please reach out.