This implementation guide from the Independent School Executive Forum contains an overview of indexed tuition models for K-12 institutions. The guide also outlines key considerations and milestones in making a change from a traditional financial aid model. With the support of your head of school, use this tool with your admissions and business teams to identify how indexed tuition can help you meet your school’s unique enrollment and mission-oriented goals. Then establish key program elements, get internal buy-in, and create a communications plan for prospective families.
Why indexed tuition?Indexed tuition is a model that tailors tuition to each family’s unique financial situation, allowing schools to offer tuition at the level that each family can afford.
In traditional financial aid models, schools discount by offering "aid" to the families that apply. In contrast, an indexed tuition model frames the conversation around having families contribute what they can afford. The result is that the emphasis is put on each family’s contribution, rather than the gap in what they cannot pay. Indexed tuition models prioritize transparency and communication around pricing and affordability, which helps attract families who have not traditionally considered independent schools and those who may not view themselves as qualifying for financial aid.
As public-school districts around the country struggle to effectively shift to virtual instruction, families are looking for alternative options for their children. Given their successful transition…