Tuition & Financial Aid

• Lower School Fee Schedule and Financial Policies
• Middle & Upper School Fee Schedule and Financial Policies

We are excited to share that, beginning this fall, we will be transitioning from School and Student Services to Clarity for our financial aid application process. We believe Clarity will offer a more user-friendly, accessible, and streamlined experience for families.

More information will be available in mid-August regarding the financial aid process for the 2026-2027 school year.

* If a child's parents are divorced, separated, or have never been married, the Admission Committee must still consider the income and assets of both legal parents. We cannot be bound by the assertion that one parent has disclaimed legally or otherwise any responsibility for educational expenses. Complete information from both legal parents must be submitted. Requests to not consider a missing parent's assets must be confirmed by a third party, usually associated with the court. If either parent has remarried, we will consider the income and assets of the stepparent, always keeping in mind the obligation of that stepparent to their own children. If either parent lives in a household with another adult, we may consider that person's assets. 

• August 18, 2025 - The Clarity financial aid application for the 2026-2027 school year opens for applicants and returning families.
• December 5, 2025 - All returning/current families applying for financial aid must submit all required financial aid documents to Clarity.
• January 9, 2026 - All applicant families applying for financial aid must submit all required financial aid documents to Clarity.
• January 20, 2026 - Financial aid awards will be posted on the re-enrollment contracts of current students.
• March 13, 2026 -  Financial Aid awards will be posted on the contracts offered to applicants who have been accepted.

While it varies yearly, approximately 31% of Sierra Canyon families receive financial assistance.

The financial aid application process is separate from, but runs alongside, the admission process. Families interested in applying for financial aid must submit a financial aid application in addition to their admission application. The financial aid application through Clarity is available starting on August 18, 2025, and is due on January 9, 2026. It requires supplemental documents that must also be uploaded by the deadline. While each student must submit a separate admission application, a single financial aid application may be used for all children in the same family, provided they are included within that application.

The Admission Committee considers each application on its own merits, regardless of whether a family is requesting financial assistance. Applying for financial aid does not reduce an applicant’s chances of admission.

The Financial Aid Committee utilizes Clarity to determine the amount a family is expected to contribute toward educational expenses. The Clarity methodology takes into account taxable and non-taxable income, assets, and investments, and allows for daily living expenses. The formula also takes into account family size and the number of children attending tuition-charging schools. The Sierra Canyon Financial Aid Committee makes final decisions on all awards. 

Every situation is unique, and many factors determine a family's financial need, including income, assets, and the number of children in tuition-paying schools. Consequently, it is impossible to set income guidelines determining who will qualify. If you would like to discuss your particular circumstances, please contact Aurora Ciabuca at (818) 882-8121, ext. 1142.

Unfortunately, because the financial aid budget is finite and assistance often spans multiple years, the School does not award aid to families who did not apply for aid at the time of admission. Exceptions to this policy are made only in the case of significant unforeseen changes in a family's financial circumstances. 

If a child's parents are divorced, separated, or have never been married, the Admission Committee must still consider the income and assets of both legal parents. We cannot be bound by the assertion that one parent has disclaimed legally or otherwise any responsibility for educational expenses. Complete information from both legal parents must be submitted. Requests to not consider a missing parent's assets must be confirmed by a third party, usually associated with the court. If either parent has remarried, we will consider the income and assets of the stepparent, always keeping in mind the obligation of that stepparent to their own children. If either parent lives in a household with another adult, we may consider that person's assets. 

If a family has children over the age of six, it is expected that both parents are employed if they are applying for financial aid. If one parent chooses not to work, then a full-time income equivalent to tuition will be imputed to account for the income a parent could earn by choosing to work. Each application is evaluated individually, and exceptions to this policy may occur if a parent is disabled or ill and cannot work or is caring for a child, parent, or grandparent with a disability or illness. 

Students who apply and qualify for financial aid and are offered admission to Sierra Canyon will be notified on March 13, 2026. The admission decision email will be sent at 5:00 p.m., and the award will be included in the enrollment contract. Students who are offered admission but do not qualify for financial aid will also be notified through email at the same time. 

All families must reapply for financial aid every year with updated information. Assuming a family continues to show the same demonstrated need, Sierra Canyon will strive to continue its financial aid to all students in good standing.