Financial Aid

Getting Started

As part of our belief in the value of intentional diversity in all its forms, Lowell strives for a student body representing varied economic backgrounds. We are committed to providing an inclusive educational experience for as many qualified students as possible.
We recognize that paying for tuition is a significant financial commitment and offer a robust need-based financial aid program to help offset the cost of tuition. When a financial need is demonstrated, Lowell makes every effort to help bridge the gap.

All families must re-apply for financial aid every school year, and Lowell offers initial financial aid with the goal of seeing that student through our program. The School will do everything possible to continue to meet each family’s financial need. However, as both the school’s and family’s financial status may change from year to year, an award one year does not guarantee the same award the following year.

For many families, applying for financial aid is just another step in the process of applying to independent schools. Please review the information below, along with the Frequently Asked Questions, for a full understanding of financial aid at Lowell.

General Info

  • Financial aid is available to full-time students in Pre-Primary School through 8th grade. 
  • Roughly one-third of Lowell’s students receive financial aid.
  • Tuition covers all educational costs for the school year, including field trips, overnight trips, books and supplies, and laptop computers for Middle School students.
  • The cost of After Care is not included in the cost of tuition; however, students receiving financial aid will also receive a discount on After Care at the same rate as their financial aid.
  • No financial aid is offered for the bus or optional school lunch. Small discounts are offered for minicourses and at other times throughout the year.

Decisions

  • Current students will be notified of preliminary awards in January.
  • Award amounts will be finalized after families’ most recent tax returns and W2s have been submitted and reviewed.
  • Prospective students will receive award notifications along with offers of acceptance in March.

Who Should Apply?

  • Lowell offers financial aid to families with a wide range of financial needs.  A variety of factors are used to determine financial need, including income, assets, debts, family size, and the number of children attending tuition-charging schools. If, after assessing your family’s financial circumstances, you find that you cannot consider enrollment without assistance, we suggest you apply.
  • Families who apply for financial aid should know that both the admissions and the financial aid committees make decisions independently; however, it is a need-sensitive process.  
  • We encourage families to examine their budget, gather all possible sources of financing, including 529s, family assistance, or outside scholarships and come to the application process with that information.
  • If you believe that you will need financial aid, you should begin the admissions process and the financial aid process at the same time. Do not wait until your child has been admitted to apply for financial aid.
  • Financial aid applications that are not submitted by the due date or incomplete upon submission are only considered if funds become available.
  • Learn more about how to apply.
Lowell School is a private PK-8th grade school located in NW Washington, DC. Our mission is to create an inclusive community of lifelong learners in which each individual is valued and respected.