Understanding Westminster School Tuition and Financial Aid
Westminster School, a co-educational boarding school located in Simsbury, Connecticut, is known for its rigorous academic program and close-knit community. This article provides a detailed overview of the tuition costs associated with attending Westminster School, as well as the financial aid options available to families.
Westminster School: An Overview
Founded in 1888, Westminster School is home to approximately 400 students, with a student body comprised of 75% boarding students and 25% day students. The school prides itself on its core values of community, character, balance, and involvement, all of which shape the daily lives of students and faculty alike. Westminster's motto, "Grit & Grace," inspires and guides the community. With a 5:1 student/teacher ratio and an average class size of 12, Westminster offers a supportive environment where students have the opportunity and support to succeed.The school's curriculum includes college-preparatory, honors, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Westminster offers some of the finest boarding school facilities available in North America.
Tuition and Fees: An Investment in Education
A Westminster education is a significant financial investment, but one that reaps immeasurable lifetime benefits. The school is dedicated to making it financially possible for each admitted student to live, study, and succeed at one of the nation’s leading boarding schools.
Tuition Costs for the 2026-2027 Academic Year
For the 2026-2027 academic year, the tuition costs are as follows:
- Boarding Students: \$80,080
- Day Students: \$58,240In addition to tuition, there are fees to consider:
- Health Center, Technology, and Activity Fees (Boarding Students): \$1,300
- Health Center, Technology, and Activity Fees (Day Students): \$680Therefore, the total costs for the 2026-2027 academic year are:
- Total Cost for Boarding Students: \$81,380
- Total Cost for Day Students: \$58,920
Additional Costs
It is important to note that additional incidental costs associated with academic and afternoon programs, including books, testing fees, and supplies, generally range from \$800 to \$1,300 per year. Other potential costs include tuition insurance, laundry service, campus store charges, music lessons, and academic tutoring.
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Payment Options
Westminster School offers three payment options, managed through the Blackbaud Tuition Management System (BBTMS). A nonrefundable deposit of 10% of the tuition amount is due with the submission of the Enrollment Contract for all options. The remaining 90% of tuition and fees can be paid through one of the following plans:
Option 1: Single Payment Tuition Plan
- Payment #1: 10% of tuition (nonrefundable) enrollment deposit (Due April 1 for returning students, April 10 for new students):
- Boarding: \$8,008
- Day: \$5,824
- Payment #2: 90% of tuition (Due June 15):
- Boarding: \$72,072
- Day: \$52,416
- Fees: Health Center, Technology, Activity (Due June 15):
- Boarding: \$1,300
- Day: \$680
- Tuition Insurance: Optional
Option 2: Two Payment Tuition Plan
- Payment #1: 10% of tuition (nonrefundable) enrollment deposit (Due April 1 for returning students, April 10 for new students):
- Boarding: \$8,008
- Day: \$5,824
- Payment #2: 45% of tuition (Due June 15):
- Boarding: \$36,036
- Day: \$26,208
- Payment #3: 45% of tuition (Due October 1):
- Boarding: \$36,036
- Day: \$26,208
- Fees: Health Center, Technology, Activity (Due June 15):
- Boarding: \$1,300
- Day: \$680
- Tuition Insurance: Required
Option 3: 9-Month Tuition Payment Plan
The remaining 90% of tuition and fees due are divided into nine equal installments, beginning June 15 and ending February 15. The monthly payments are made directly to and statements are received directly from BBTMS. This option has a \$56 enrollment fee per family. Tuition Insurance: Required
Tuition Insurance
Tuition insurance is available to families and can provide coverage in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Single-pay families are not required but have the option to purchase the tuition insurance offered by the School. Please note that within the enrollment contract, tuition insurance will be set to automatically enroll. You can opt out during completion of the contract. If you opt NOT to participate in this plan, no refund or cancellation of tuition or fees will be granted for any reason. You will be billed for this premium in July. The premium rate is 1.25% of the annual tuition (excluding fees).
Health Insurance
Westminster School requires all students to be insured under a United States-based health plan that covers injury and illness. International students need to enroll in the United HealthCare Health Plan offered through Westminster School.
Financial Aid: Making Westminster Accessible
Westminster is committed to making its education financially accessible to bright, motivated, and curious children, regardless of their ability to pay. Thanks to the generosity of alumni, parents, and friends, Westminster is able to provide financial aid to over one-third of enrolled students.
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Applying for Financial Aid
Westminster uses Clarity to process financial aid applications. Clarity provides a quick, user-friendly application that is mobile-compatible. In addition to the application, parents are required to sign and submit IRS form 4506-T so Clarity can verify their tax information. Based on the financial information families provide, Clarity will use a standard calculation to determine an estimated amount that families can contribute toward educational expenses. Westminster's financial aid team uses this estimation as a starting point for the determination of a fair and objective financial aid award.
Steps to Apply for Financial Aid
- Indicate that you will be applying for financial aid on your application for admission.
- Complete the online application in Clarity by January 15.
Financial Aid Principles
Financial aid awards are intended as a supplement to family resources and are made not only to families whose ability to pay school costs is extremely limited but also to those who may need only a minor subsidy to meet tuition requirements.Westminster School awards financial-assistance grants to newly enrolling and current students based on financial need. The ability to pay the tuition should not be the determining factor in whether a child applies to Westminster School. All financial aid awards are based on family financial need and are completely confidential. This need is determined by the Westminster School board financial aid committee, which is guided by the School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS) and the availability of funds in the financial aid budget. In addition to applying to SSS, parents should send their latest IRS 1040 form directly to the school, Attention: Business Manager.
Financial Aid Statistics
33% of Westminster students receive financial aid from the \$5.86 million awarded annually. The average financial aid grant is \$40,500.
Merit Scholarships
Westminster School does not offer merit scholarships.
Contact Information
Emily Sullivan, Director of Financial Aid, guides families through the financial aid application process.
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