Tuition
Our financial model is designed to create a community of families with blended financial capacities. Teacher compensation, facilities, and program operations are sustained through tuition, auxiliary programs, and annual fundraising.
Tuition level has no bearing on the quality of education your child receives or your family’s belonging in our community.
Tiers are self-selected and handled with complete confidentiality.
Community-Supported Tuition (Tier 1) is limited to 30% of total enrollment to ensure long-term financial stability.
Community-Supported Tuition (Tier 1)
The Community-Supported tier is sustained in part through annual fundraising.
2026–2027 Levels
TK–K: $10,000 per year | $833 per month
1st–8th: $14,000 per year | $1,167 per month
Generally appropriate for households earning approximately $80,000–$130,000.
Families below this range are encouraged to apply for Community Scholarship. Scholarship applications are reviewed carefully and confidentially each year.
Standard Tuition (Tier 2)
The Standard tier represents the primary tuition level within our blended revenue model and most directly reflects the school’s core operating needs.
2026–2027 Levels
TK–K: $14,000 per year | $1,167 per month
1st–8th: $19,500 per year | $1,625 per month
Generally appropriate for households earning approximately $130,000–$200,000.
Sustaining Tuition (Tier 3)
The Sustaining tier represents the upper range of our tuition structure and strengthens long-term program stability within our blended revenue model.
2026–2027 Levels
TK–K: $16,000 per year | $1,333 per month
1st–8th: $22,000 per year | $1,833 per month
Generally appropriate for households earning above approximately $190,000.
Families Enrolling Multiple Students
Sonoma Earth School does not apply automatic sibling discounts. Families enrolling more than one student should consider their total tuition obligation when selecting a tier. If enrolling multiple students places tuition beyond your financial capacity, you are encouraged to submit a confidential Community Scholarship application.
Community Scholarship Fund
For families whose circumstances make the Community-Supported tier unsustainable, Sonoma Earth School offers a structured Community Scholarship process. All financial information is handled with utmost confidentiality.
Community Scholarships are:
Built into the school’s annual financial design
Reviewed confidentially
Based on financial information provided by the applicant
Approved within a defined annual allocation
Each year, the Board establishes the total scholarship allocation before enrollment begins. This ensures continued salary growth, stable operations, and responsible budgeting.
District Placement
Sonoma Earth School partners with local school districts to serve students whose needs are not met in mainstream educational settings.
Through District Placement agreements, Sonoma Earth School provides specialized educational services in small-group environments. Placement tuition rates are established through district contracts.
Ya-Ka-Ama Native Scholarship
Sonoma Earth School maintains a dedicated Native Scholarship in partnership with Ya-Ka-Ama.
Nominations and eligibility are coordinated directly through the Ya-Ka-Ama Board. This scholarship exists outside the standard tiered tuition model and reflects our ongoing relationship with the land and community where we operate.
Payment
Annual tuition is paid in 12 equal installments: a deposit equal to one-twelfth of annual tuition, followed by monthly payments from August through June. Alternative schedules are available upon request.
Tuition invoices are payable online by bank transfer, or by check.
Refund Policy
The reenrollment or enrollment deposit is non-refundable. In the event of withdrawal, tuition obligations extend for one month after written notice is received. Families who pre-pay tuition annually or quarterly will receive a prorated refund based on the remaining portion of the school year.
Additional Services
Additional individualized services — such as a one-to-one aide, speech therapy, or other specialized interventions — are not included in tuition and may require separate arrangements. Please contact us to discuss your child’s specific needs.