Admissions

Financial Aid

Affording a Priory Education

An independent school education is a considerable investment for many families. With over $5 million available in need-based grants, about 20% of Priory families receive financial assistance. Priory’s financial aid awards are grants, not loans, meaning they do not need to be repaid. Many financial aid awards cover most tuition and fees. Financial aid at Priory is need-based; like most independent schools in the Bay Area, we do not provide merit-based scholarships. For families receiving significant financial aid, we also provide additional assistance to pay for other required fees (i.e., books).

The size of each family’s financial aid award is based on the determined need and funds available in the school's financial aid budget. Priory partners with Clarity, an organization that provides an independent assessment of each financial aid application. Families receive notice of financial aid awards with their acceptance letters in March. Priory families receiving financial aid are required to reapply for financial aid each year, and awards may be adjusted as family circumstances change.

Since every family has different circumstances governing their financial ability to contribute towards an independent school education, financial aid grants will vary depending on the information and circumstances provided in the financial aid application. Families who believe affording tuition and fees at Priory would cause significant financial hardship are encouraged to apply for financial aid.

Begin the financial aid application process* by clicking on the "Financial Aid: Getting Started" button at the top right or go directly to the Clarity homepage to create an account. The application typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete. The Clarity Application is also mobile-friendly so you can complete it from anywhere. You are also able to save your progress and return at any time. At the end of the application, there is a $55 fee to submit, and you can share your application with additional schools that accept the Clarity Application for no additional charge. Simply use the dropdown menu in the application to select those schools. If this fee causes hardship, please contact the Admissions Office.

Learning More about Financial Aid

If you are interested in more information on Financial Aid, please take a look at our application guide explaining the process below.

Getting Started:
Clarity Family Application Guide (PDF)

Family Information Webinars

Each year, Clarity hosts several Application Info Webinars for families. All families who may be applying to any Clarity school are welcome to attend any of these webinars. During the live session, we will go over some key aspects of the application, things to look out for, materials to gather, how to get help, how the tax verification process works, and a robust Q&A.

Sept 25 - 7pm Pacific Time

Oct 29 - 7pm Pacific Time

Dec 10 - 5:30pm Pacific Time

Financial Aid FAQ

List of 6 items.

At what income level is my family ineligible for financial aid?

Our methodology considers income, assets, and expenses for both parents and students (where applicable). We also consider daycare costs and other private school tuitions, including undergraduate college/university tuition. Our goal is to provide a family with a reasonable amount expected to be paid towards a Priory education. There is no blanket cut-off for consideration.
Will applying for financial aid affect my child's chances for admission?

Woodside Priory awarded over $5 million in financial aid for the 2024-2025 school year. The admissions committee is tasked with identifying each applicant's gifts and talents regardless of their ability to pay. While we encourage all families to apply, we invite families to consider how affording a Priory education will affect their family's financial situation.
What if I am separated, divorced, never married, or have re-married?

Like many independent schools, Priory understands that the primary responsibility for financing an independent school education falls primarily on the family. This responsibility requires both parents and legal guardians, including step-parents, to contribute to their child's educational costs. In practice, this understanding means that both custodial and non-custodial parents are required to complete the financial aid application.
What if we might need financial aid in the future?

We recognize that life circumstances may cause families to need aid to keep their child enrolled at the Priory. However, barring an unusual change in financial circumstances, families should not plan to apply for aid if they did not initially apply as a part of their admissions application to the School.
Will our financial aid award change from year to year?

Financial aid grants are awarded annually, and enrolling families will see their financial aid award disclosed in their Enrollment Agreement. Families are also required to reapply for financial aid annually if aid is needed in the following school year.

Unless there is a significant change in a family's financial circumstance, families should expect to receive consistent levels of financial aid.
Can international students apply for financial aid?

Woodside Priory's boarding program is distinctive in intimate size and student diversity. While we can consider international students who may need need-based financial aid, international applicants should remember that financial aid grants are highly competitive. For all international students, the request for financial aid will be considered in the admissions process. Priory does not award merit-based (based on academic qualifications or other talents) scholarships. International students must complete the financial aid application like other students wishing to be considered for financial aid.