The DC independent school landscape can feel like it's designed for two kinds of families: those who can afford $45,000–$55,000+ per year for elite institutions, and those who roll the dice on the public school lottery. If your family falls somewhere in between — committed to high-quality education but unable or unwilling to pay elite-tier tuition, and tired of lottery uncertainty — the options can seem frustratingly limited.
High-Quality Education Within Reach at Templeton Academy
Templeton Academy DC exists in a different space. At $35,000 per year with need-based financial aid available, Templeton offers the small classes, project-based rigor, and personalized attention of DC's best independent schools at a price point that's accessible to a broader range of families. It's not the cheapest option. But it delivers extraordinary value for what families invest.
How Templeton's Tuition Compares
The DC independent school market spans a wide range. Here's where Templeton fits:
|
School Category |
Typical Annual Tuition |
What You Get |
|
Elite DC Independent Schools (Sidwell, Georgetown Day, NCS, St. Albans) |
$45,000–$55,000+ |
Strong reputation, established networks, traditional or semi-traditional model, larger classes |
|
Templeton Academy DC |
$35,000 |
10-student classes, project-based learning, weekly DC Fieldwork, Core Advisory, award-winning STEM, 95% college acceptance |
|
NoVA STEM-Intensive Schools |
$37,000–$53,000+ |
Strong academics, STEM focus, suburban location, car commute required |
|
DC Catholic Schools |
$15,000–$25,000 |
Lower cost, faith-based curriculum, larger classes, traditional instruction |
|
DC Charter / Public Selective Schools |
Free |
No tuition cost, but lottery-based admission, larger classes, less personalization |
Templeton's $35,000 tuition places it $10,000–$20,000+ below the elite tier while delivering class sizes and personalized attention that most schools at any price point can't match. For families comparing value rather than just price, the math is compelling.
Financial Aid Philosophy and Availability
Templeton is socio-economically diverse by design. The school's commitment to accessibility isn't an afterthought — it's foundational to who we are.
Key details about Templeton's financial aid program:
- Need-based financial aid is available through our partnership with Clarity
- Applying for financial aid does not affect admissions decisions — the admissions and financial aid processes are separate
- The Clarity application takes approximately 20 minutes, and tax documents are transferred directly from the IRS
- Financial aid decisions are communicated in early February for the following school year
- The priority deadline for financial aid supporting documents is January 16
For families who've assumed independent education is out of reach, the financial aid process is worth exploring before making a decision.
Payment Plans That Work
Even at $35,000, an annual tuition bill is significant. Templeton structures payment to reduce the burden:
- Monthly payments of $2,915 via automatic ACH or credit card
- One month's deposit due at registration
- No large lump-sum payments required — tuition is spread across the school year
This monthly structure makes independent school tuition manageable as part of your household budget rather than requiring a large upfront commitment.
The Value Proposition: What Your Investment Provides
Price and value aren't the same thing. Here's what Templeton families receive for their tuition investment:
Academic Structure:
- Average class size of 10 students — among the smallest in the DC independent school landscape
- Extended learning blocks (2 hours 20 minutes) for sustained, deep academic work
- Project-based curriculum across integrated humanities, STEM, foreign languages, arts, and advanced electives
- Mastery-based assessment with portfolio documentation
- Award-winning STEM program with nationally recognized student projects
Mentorship and Support:
- Daily Core Advisory with a dedicated faculty mentor
- One-on-one college counseling beginning in ninth grade
- Daily Flex period for academic support
- Small-school community where every student is genuinely known
Experiential Learning:
- Weekly Fieldwork at DC's world-class institutions — Smithsonian, Capitol Hill, embassies, cultural landmarks
- Students have published research in collaboration with Smithsonian researchers
- Quarterly exhibitions where students present learning to authentic audiences
Outcomes:
- 95% college acceptance rate to students' colleges of choice
- Graduates who arrive at college with independent research, project management, and public presentation experience
Compare that to elite schools charging $20,000 more per year with larger classes and fewer experiential opportunities — or to free public schools with no guaranteed seat and class sizes of 25+. For many families, Templeton represents the best value in DC independent education.
An Alternative Across the Spectrum
Different families arrive at Templeton from different starting points. Here's how we serve families considering various alternatives:
If you're considering elite independent schools but the tuition is a stretch, Templeton provides equivalent (or smaller) class sizes and personalized attention at a significantly lower price point — with financial aid available to close remaining gaps.
If you're considering Catholic schools for affordability but want a non-sectarian, progressive educational model, Templeton offers project-based learning and civic Fieldwork without a religious curriculum — at a higher but still accessible price point.
If you're relying on public selective schools but worried about lottery uncertainty, Templeton provides guaranteed placement with a similar commitment to experiential, student-centered education — at a cost that financial aid can help offset.
If you're comparing STEM-intensive schools in Northern Virginia, Templeton's tuition is lower, the commute is shorter (Metro vs. I-66/I-495 traffic), and the model integrates STEM within a broader, more holistic educational framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of families receive financial aid?
Templeton is socio-economically diverse by design. We encourage any family for whom tuition represents a significant stretch to apply for financial aid through Clarity. The application has no impact on admissions decisions.
Is $35,000 really "accessible"?
We recognize that $35,000 is a significant investment for any family. "Accessible" means that Templeton is priced substantially below DC's elite independent school tier, with financial aid available to further reduce cost. For families weighing the value of average 10-student classes, daily advisory, and weekly DC Fieldwork, the investment comparison to schools charging $45,000–$55,000+ is meaningful.
Can we set up a payment plan before committing?
Templeton's standard payment structure is monthly ($2,915/month via ACH or credit card). Contact our admissions team to discuss tuition details and financial aid before making your enrollment decision.
Explore Your Options
We invite families to schedule a campus tour and a financial aid consultation. See the value of a Templeton education firsthand, and explore whether financial aid can make independent school accessible for your family.
Apply for financial aid or contact us to start the conversation.
Now enrolling grades 6–12.