Cushing Academy: Tuition, Fees, and the Value of a 21st-Century Education

Choosing a boarding school is a significant investment in a child's future. Cushing Academy, an independent, coeducational boarding school located in Ashburnham, Massachusetts, offers a unique approach to education, focusing on developing leadership skills for the 21st century. This article delves into the costs associated with attending Cushing Academy and the value it provides.

An Overview of Cushing Academy

Founded in 1865, Cushing Academy is a college preparatory school for students in grades 9 through 12 and post-graduate programs. The Academy's curriculum is centered around the Cushing Institute for 21st Century Leadership, designed to foster leadership skills needed to thrive in today's world. The Institute integrates demanding course offerings with distinguished speakers, internships, and global travel opportunities.

Cushing Academy boasts a diverse community, with students from over 28 countries and 26 states. The school offers rigorous programs in academics, arts, and athletics, creating a well-rounded educational experience. The campus is known for being hygienic and beautiful, especially the dorms, with teachers who are incredibly nice, supportive, and welcoming.

Tuition and Fees: An Investment in the Future

Understanding the costs associated with Cushing Academy is crucial for families considering this educational path. Here's a breakdown of the tuition and fees for the 2026-2027 academic year:

Boarding Students: \$79,980
Day Students: \$54,075

These amounts include fees for on-campus activities, technology, athletics, and publications.

Additional Program Fees

Beyond the base tuition, additional fees may apply depending on a student's needs and chosen programs:

Academic Support - Standard: \$10,700
Academic Support - Coaching (1:1): \$19,860
English as a Second Language (ESL): \$8,235
ESL + Academic Support - Standard: \$16,730
International Enrollment: \$5,510
International Student Health Insurance: \$2,595 / 10 Months or \$2,895 / 12 Months (required for international students without US-based health insurance)
Domestic Student Health Insurance: \$3,995 / 10 Months or \$4,495 / 12 Months (required for domestic students without US-based health insurance)
Health Center Fee: \$465 (Boarding) or \$240 (Day)

Cushing will refund ESL/Academic Support fees on a pro-rata basis if a student fulfills the program requirements during the academic year.

The Health Center Fee covers services provided by the health center to students, such as those services rendered by the nurses on duty, medication nurse as needed, a nurse practitioner, the medical director, and other staff during day and night. The fee also covers basic health assessments and remedies administered by the center, including first aid and emergency care. This fee does not cover insurance. All students must provide proof of health insurance coverage with a US-based company.

Payment Options and Financial Aid

Cushing Academy recognizes that a private education is a significant investment and offers several options to help families manage tuition costs.

Enrollment Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of 10% of the net tuition is required upon acceptance (25% for domestic students living outside the United States; 30% for international students). This deposit is credited towards tuition.

Read also: Explore Haas Hall Academy
Tuition Insurance: Mandatory if tuition is not paid in full by June 1. The cost is 4.85% of Net Tuition + Fees.
Payment Plans:
- Payment in full by June 10.
- Payment of 50% of the net tuition by June 10, with the remaining due by October 1. (Tuition insurance is required with this plan)
- Blackbaud Tuition Management: Elect to pay the entire year’s cost over ten months, with the first payment due on or before May 10.
Financial Aid: Cushing Academy is committed to making its education accessible to talented students, regardless of their financial background. The academy awards over \$6 million annually to over 150 students with need-based financial aid grants.

Applying for Financial Aid

The financial aid application process is competitive, and families are encouraged to begin as early as possible. The application deadline is February 1. Cushing's Financial Aid Guide provides a better understanding of Cushing's approach to Financial Aid.

The Clarity Financial Aid Application opens in October. Complete it as soon as possible to ensure that you are able to submit all materials necessary before the February 1 deadline. Financial aid is primarily allocated in conjunction with Admissions decisions, sent on March 10. Financial information is confidential, and these forms are required for a fair, reasonable determination of financial need.

Cushing Academy also provides information on tuition loans and payment programs that can make tuition more affordable. These programs allow tuition fees to be paid upfront, with payments spread over a more extended period.

The Cushing Academy Experience: More Than Just a Price Tag

While the tuition and fees associated with Cushing Academy represent a significant financial commitment, the value of the education and experience extends far beyond the monetary cost.

Academics and Leadership Development

Cushing Academy's focus on 21st-century leadership skills sets it apart. The Cushing Institute for 21st Century Leadership shapes the curriculum, integrating distinguished speakers, internships, and global travel opportunities. The academy offers 21 AP courses, and in recent years, 35 of their students score 4 and 5 in AP exams. With 68% of faculties whose degrees are master and above, Cushing Academy is committed to providing a transformative learning experience for students in grades 9-12 and PG. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1, Cushing's students are afforded individual attention and guidance within the school's rigorous academic curriculum.

A Supportive and Welcoming Community

Cushing Academy prides itself on its family atmosphere and welcoming community. The people on campus make it a special place where everyone feels part of something bigger. The teachers are incredibly nice, supportive, and welcoming.

Extracurricular Activities and Campus Life

Cushing Academy offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and arts programs. The Academy is also home to expansive visual and performing arts programs. Cushing's 162-acre campus features several new, state-of-the-art facilities including a field house, expanded dining commons, two new dormitories, a resurfaced turf field, and a renovated ice arena.

Other Boarding Schools and Their Costs

To provide context for Cushing Academy's tuition, it's helpful to consider the costs of other boarding schools in the United States. Here's a glimpse at some of the most expensive boarding schools and their tuition rates for the 2014-2015 academic year (note that these costs have likely increased):

Brandon Hall School (Atlanta, GA): \$62,300 (rumored)
The Masters School (Dobbs Ferry, NY): \$55,050
Sandy Spring Friends School (Sandy Spring, MD): \$54,600
Deerfield Academy (Deerfield, MA): \$54,580
Holderness School (Plymouth, NH): \$54,100
St. George’s School (Newport, RI): \$54,100
The Winchendon School (Winchendon, MA): \$54,080
Hebron Academy (Hebron, ME): \$53,900 (US/Canada) / \$56,900 (International)
Cushing Academy (Ashburnham, MA): \$53,700
New Hampton School (New Hampton, NH): \$53,700
Blair Academy (Blairstown, NJ): \$53,600
George School (Newtown, PA): \$53,600
The Webb Schools (Claremont, CA): \$53,575
The Thacher School (Ojai, CA): \$53,500
Oregon Episcopal School (Portland, OR): \$53,498
Brooks School (North Andover, MA): \$53,420
Tabor Academy (Marion, MA): \$53,375
Williston Northampton School (Easthampton, MA): \$52,900
Wilbraham & Monson Academy (Wilbraham, MA): \$52,985
Portsmouth Abbey School (Portsmouth, RI): \$52,730
Mercersburg Academy (Mercersburg, PA): \$52,700
Suffield Academy (Suffield, CT): \$52,300
The White Mountain School (Bethlehem, NH): \$52,000
San Domenico School (Marin County, CA): Up to \$54,800

These schools offer a variety of programs and environments, but all represent a significant investment in a student's education.

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