Admissions

Financial Aid

Affording a Barnesville Education

If you are seeking general information about Tuition & Fees click here.

Money should not stand in the way of education. We strive to make a Barnesville education accessible to as many families as possible across Montgomery County, Frederick County, and the surrounding area. We believe our students' experience is made better and our community stronger through a commitment to socioeconomic diversity.

As an independent school education, we support families from a wide range of economic backgrounds. We are committed to helping families find creative, manageable ways to pay for their child’s education. Options you can explore include:
  • Monthly tuition payment plans
  • Need-based financial aid
  • Scholarships and merit awards
  • Contributions from grandparents or other family members 
  • Tax-advantaged education savings programs
  • Tuition loans
Cost should never be a roadblock for any family who believes Barnesville School of Arts & Sciences is the best environment for their child to learn and grow; therefore, Barnesville School sets tuition below the cost of educating each student. The school also charges a range of tuition based on family need. Our generous supporters see the lifelong benefits of our cross-curricular model and invest in the programs that prepare students for success — on our campus and beyond. 

List of 2 items.

  • Need-Based Variable Tuition - Tuition Ranges

    Variable Tuition is a need-based tuition assistance program that allows families to apply for reduced tuition, making a Barnesville education accessible to more families.
    The ability to adjust tuition based on a family's need not only benefits those families, it enriches the learning community by creating an environment of socioeconomic diversity — one that better prepares students to thrive when they leave our campus.

    Variable Tuition Ranges
    Variable tuition ranges reflect the additional tuition-reducing impact financial aid can have, depending on each family's financial circumstances.


    Middle School

    Grades 5 – 8: $11,540-$23,075*
     

    Lower School

    Grades 1 – 4: $10,765-$21,525*
    Kindergarten: $9,025-$18,050*


    Preschool

    Pre-Kindergarten: Varies based on number of children
    Early Childhood: Varies based on number of children
     
    *Parents who choose NOT to apply for variable tuition, or who have no demonstrated need as determined by Schools and Student Services (SSS), pay the full tuition.


    Variable Tuition: Frequently Asked Questions

    What is Variable Tuition? Variable Tuition is a need-based tuition assistance program that allows families to apply for reduced tuition, making a Barnesville education accessible to more families.

    How Does Variable Tuition Work? Any family (current or new) may apply for Variable Tuition if they are concerned about affording the full tuition rate.

    How is Need Determined? Families submit a financial statement to Schools and Student Services (SSS) provided by the National Association of Independent Schools, a third-party that estimates the amount a family can contribute to school expenses. Many factors are considered when determining the tuition amount a family is able to pay, including income, assets, unusual expenses, and the size of the family. 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. Families are notified of the tuition level for which they qualify from the School’s business office. We work within the available resources to make the School accessible to as many students and families as possible.

    What is the Deadline to Apply for Variable Tuition? Completed documents must be submitted by February 15. Variable Tuition Financial Aid applications submitted after the February 15 due date will be considered only as funds remain available.

    Does Applying for Variable Tuition Impact Admission? An application for Variable Tuition Financial Aid does not affect the re-enrollment or admission process.

    Should every new or returning family submit an application for Variable Tuition? No. Only families who feel that they may not be able to pay the full tuition should submit an application.

    Do I need to apply for Variable Tuition every year? Yes. A new application must be submitted every year.

    If I do not qualify for the program this year, can I apply again next year? Yes. A family that does not qualify is welcome to reapply the following year.

    Do I need to apply for admission separately from applying for Variable Tuition? Yes. For new students, application to Barnesville School of Arts & Sciences and application for Variable Tuition are two separate processes. However, new families may complete both application processes simultaneously.

    Will applying for Variable Tuition hurt my student’s chance of being admitted to the school? No. Admission applications and Variable Tuition applications are evaluated separately, and an application for Variable Tuition has no bearing on the admission process.

    Our family is currently receiving Financial Aid. Is this different than Variable Tuition? Variable Tuition is Barnesville's way of presenting our Financial Aid program. We are publishing Variable Tuition Ranges to show families the tuition-reducing impact financial aid can have, depending on your financial circumstances.

    Do returning students receive priority over new students when applying for Variable Tuition? Yes. Re-enrolling students who submit an application by the published deadline will receive priority consideration.

    What kind of economic situation is typical of a family who qualifies for Variable Tuition? A wide range of families with a variety of circumstances qualify for the program. Many factors are evaluated, including income, assets, unusual expenses, and the size of the family.

    Are any families awarded full tuition? 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.

    Are all admitted students offered Variable Tuition if the family qualifies? No. Unfortunately, the school does not have the ability to offer Variable Tuition to every student who qualifies for both admission and Variable Tuition. A student may be admitted to the school but placed on a waiting list for financial aid/Variable Tuition. It is recommended that families apply for Variable Tuition as early as possible and prior to February 15.
  • Scholarships

    Scholarships may help offset the cost of your child’s private education. We are pleased to offer the Cohen Scholarship for Academic Achievement to rising and new 6th grade students with exceptional academic achievement. 

Barnesville School

21830 Peach Tree Road
PO Box 404
Barnesville, MD 20838
p: 301.972.0341