The Leffell School is committed to ensuring that an outstanding K-12 Jewish independent school education is accessible to as many families as possible. Socioeconomic diversity is a hallmark of our school community, and we are proud of the broad participation in our tuition assistance program. This confidential program is highly flexible, taking into account individual factors including income, assets, number of children in the school, and other financial obligations. If your family is interested in The Leffell School but unsure about your ability to afford the experience, we encourage you to apply for tuition assistance.
A Wide Range of Families Qualify
We believe that financial constraints should not be an obstacle to enrollment for a family who wants to be a part of the Leffell School community. Tuition reductions and grants through our highly discreet, individualized tuition assistance program are available even to families who may not think they are likely to qualify for assistance.
Individual family grant amounts may vary significantly based upon such personal factors as income, assets, number of children in other schools (including preschool and college), health care-related costs, and other family expenses, etc. The majority of families who benefit from our tuition assistance program have annual incomes below $300,000 per year, and our school has a very strong record of meeting the financial needs of these families. It is important for the community to be aware, however, that families at a wide range of income levels may qualify for reduced tuition through our program. Here are a few real-life examples of families who received tuition grants in order to ensure that our school would be affordable for them:
- A family earning between $250,000 and $300,000 per year, with one child in our High School.
- A family earning between $350,000 and $400,000 per year, who did not receive tuition assistance for their first enrolled child, but now receives assistance with two children in our Lower School.
- A family with limited assets making between $550,000 and $600,000 per year, with two children in our High School, and one in college, with additional elder care expenses.
- A family who has historically paid full tuition but is experiencing a situation that has temporarily reduced their income by a significant amount.
Tuition Assistance Process
To make the allocation process as straightforward, fair, and comprehensive as possible, we utilize the standardized FACTS Grant and Aid Assessment Application. FACTS is an independent company that is the national leader in financial aid assessment for independent schools. Families new to The Leffell School should note that a tuition assistance application can be processed only after the student’s admissions application is complete.
The following components are required in order for a tuition assistance application to be processed:
- FACTS Grant and Aid Assessment Application
- Copy of your most recently filed income tax return and W-2 forms (or other relevant tax documents)
- Supporting tax return schedules
- Explanatory letter or statement in support of application
The tuition assistance application is available beginning in late November each year. After a student’s admissions application has been processed and provided that the family has indicated a need for tuition assistance on the application, the school will send tuition assistance application details to new families. Returning families who currently receive tuition assistance will receive an application link annually for the coming year.
Deadline
The deadline for applying for tuition assistance for an upcoming school year typically takes place in January. Award decisions are communicated to new families in late February and to continuing families in early March.
Applications submitted after January will be considered based upon the availability of tuition assistance funds.
Contact Us
Please contact Chief Financial Officer Risa Vine with any questions about the tuition assistance process. Risa may be reached by email at rvine@leffellschool.org or by phone at 914-948-8333.
Affordability FAQ
Tuition Schedule for 2026-2027
*Parents of Seniors Please Note: Tuition and fees for twelfth grade listed above do not include the cost of the Lev v’Nefesh Poland/Israel Experience.
Student activities that are part of the regular school program, such as overnight trips, are included in the total tuition and fees for all grades. The eighth-grade Israel trip is included in the tuition and fees and is designed to be the only Bnai Mitzvah gift the students give to their peers. Additional fees will be incurred for those who elect to participate in the optional hot lunch program or extracurricular activities and those who register for private bus transportation.
The Leffell School offers an optional plan to insure tuition and transportation fees in the event of the student’s withdrawal or dismissal. The plan and any exclusions are described in detail here.
The Leffell School offers three payment options
Single Payment
Deducted in June
Two Equal Payments
Deducted in June and September
Nine Equal Payments
Deducted monthly from June through February