Affording a WCCS Education
At Wildcat Canyon Community School, tuition is one part of a shared commitment that sustains our students, our teachers, and the living rhythm of the school. Our intention is to make a rich and meaningful Waldorf education accessible to as many families as possible while tending thoughtfully to the long-term vitality of the school.
How Our Tuition Model Works
Sustaining Our Community
The sustaining tuition amount reflects what is required to support our rich and meaningful Waldorf curriculum, retain dedicated faculty and staff, maintain our expansive outdoor classrooms/campus, and our commitment to maintaining strong socioeconomic diversity in our community.
For 2026–2027, the annual sustaining tuition is: PreK–8th Grade: $24,700
Families who are able to contribute at or near this level helps ensure the school can continue to serve a diverse community of students.
Equity-Based Contributions
WCCS uses an equity-based tuition model that invites families to pledge an annual tuition contribution aligned with their financial capacity.
Rather than offering discounts, this model is rooted in shared responsibility. Each family is asked to reflect honestly on their resources and pledge as much as they are able, balancing their household needs with a commitment to the school’s long term sustainability.
Because WCCS is sustained primarily by tuition, each incoming class must include a balance of tuition contributions along a range. This balance allows the school to meet its operating needs while remaining accessible to families with varying financial circumstances.
Suggested Contribution Examples
Some families find it helpful to think about their pledge as a percentage of the 2026/27 sustainable tuition amount. The examples below are offered as reference points.
90% of tuition: $22,230
80% of tuition: $19,760
50% of tuition: $12,350
In the high-cost Bay Area, private school tuition often represents 5-10% of take-home pay for one child, though it can exceed 15-20% for multiple children.
Transparency and Trust
By openly sharing how tuition nourishes the life of the school, we invite families to make informed and value aligned decisions. Combined with parent and family engagement, and other forms of support, this tuition model helps WCCS remain a community grounded in equity, inclusivity, and a rich, holistic learning experience at the heart of Waldorf education.
Additional Fees
- Annual Facility Fee: $750 per student
- Aftercare: Billed separately based on use
- Trips & Meals: Camping trips (Grades 3–8) and meals are not included in tuition. A warm snack is included for PreK and Kindergarten.
Other Financial Support Options
WCCS families may also benefit from external tuition support programs such as:
- The Basic Fund (for first-time private school students, income-eligible)
- The Guardsmen Scholarship Program
- The SMART Program
- Childcare Tax Credit (for PreK)
- Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (federal tax benefit)
Tuition Payment Options
WCCS has partnered with FACTS to offer flexible tuition payment options. Enrolled families can manage payments through their FACTS account, and may choose from:
- One payment (due April)
- 10 month plan (April – January)
- 12 month plan (April – March)
FACTS charges an annual processing fee:
$25 for pay-in-full | $55 for monthly plans
Our Commitment
WCCS is sustained primarily by tuition, with the majority of funds supporting faculty and staff salaries. By contributing as fully as they are able, families help ensure that WCCS remains a thriving, inclusive learning environment for all children.
