Understanding the Cost of Education at St. Ignatius Schools

Choosing the right school for your child is a significant decision, and understanding the associated costs is a crucial part of the process. St. Ignatius schools, known for their commitment to faith-based education and developing well-rounded individuals, recognize the investment families make in their children's future. This article provides a comprehensive overview of tuition costs, financial aid opportunities, and the overall value of a St. Ignatius education.

A Commitment to Faith, Love, Service, and Leadership

Since its founding in 1869, Saint Ignatius College Prep has been dedicated to preparing young people for lives of faith, love, service, and leadership. This mission extends to St. Ignatius School, which has been serving children and families since 1908, guided by the traditions of the Jesuits and the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. Both institutions share a commitment to providing a nurturing environment where students can discover and develop their gifts and talents.

Investing in Your Child's Future

Choosing a St. Ignatius school requires a significant financial commitment. The schools recognize this and work with families to address affordability concerns. Every family's financial situation is unique, and St. Ignatius strives to make its education accessible to families of all income levels.

Financial Aid and Affordability

St. Ignatius School is steadfast in remaining accessible to families of all income levels. Not only is this fair and just, it promotes the richness and diversity the school values so highly. Each year, the school distributes over $140,000 in tuition assistance to its families. To assess what a family is able to contribute to education expenses, completing a FACTS application is necessary to determine financial aid.

Key Dates for Financial Aid (Example from Saint Ignatius College Prep):

October 1, 2025: FACTS application available
January 6, 2026: FACTS application deadline
January 30, 2026: Notification of financial aid award

Financial aid applications can be reviewed only after the application and all required tax documentation have been submitted. If you have questions about financial aid, you can contact the school for assistance.

Read also: Rhode Island Tuition Guide

Tuition at St. Ignatius School

St. Ignatius School offers programs for children from preschool through eighth grade. While specific tuition amounts may vary, the school is committed to working with families to explore options. If you are thinking the school is out of reach, you are encouraged to have a conversation to find out what’s possible before a final decision is made.

Preschool: St. Ignatius Preschool offers a full-day program for 3- and 4-year-olds. Families can choose between a 3-day and 5-day per week option. The program prepares students for success in kindergarten and beyond through play-based learning and the introduction of developmentally appropriate academic skills.
Kindergarten: St. Ignatius School's full-day Kindergarten program focuses on reading and writing, allowing students to make greater strides in literacy, math, general learning, and social skills.
Elementary and Middle School: St. Ignatius School offers a rigorous and challenging academic curriculum for elementary and middle school students. The curriculum follows the standards for the state of Oregon as well as those standards set by the Department of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Portland.

In-Parish Tuition Rates

In-parish tuition rates are granted to registered, active parishioners (6 months or more) of St. Ignatius Catholic Church. Also, members of other Catholic parishes where a portion of the educational costs is subsidized by their Parish can apply. Consult the school's form for full criteria.

The Value of a St. Ignatius Education

Beyond academics, St. Ignatius emphasizes the development of the whole child - spiritually, academically, physically, and emotionally. Students are known, nurtured, and loved by the whole community as they are guided in discovering and developing their gifts and talents.

Faith-Centered Education: St. Ignatius School provides a Catholic faith-centered education guiding God’s children toward building a just and compassionate world.
Academic Excellence: The school offers a rigorous and challenging academic curriculum that prepares students for college preparatory high schools.
Service and Justice: Together with its Jesuit parish, St. Ignatius School is deeply committed to social and environmental justice and service. Students actively participate in ongoing service learning projects, supporting organizations such as Transition Projects, the Oregon Humane Society, Courtyard at Mt. Tabor, Doernbecher Children's Hospital, and the Community Transition School.
Enrichment Programs: In addition to core subjects, students are engaged in the arts, technology, and service. Preschool students participate in specialist classes like P.E., music, and library.
Community: The school fosters a strong sense of community through family groups, where students from different grades work collaboratively on activities that nurture kinship.

A Welcoming Community

St. Ignatius School welcomes students of any race, sex, color, national and ethnic origin, to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to all schools. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, in administration of its educational policies, athletic, and other school administered programs.

Taking the Next Step

To learn more about tuition costs and the value of a St. Ignatius education, you are invited to set up a tour of the school. Visiting the school and speaking with the principal, Carol Pausz, is a great way to experience the community firsthand and get answers to your specific questions.

Read also: Emory University Tuition

Read also: Affording Temple

tags: #saint #ignatius #tuition #cost