Tuition, Fees, & Other Costs

How is Oakwood tuition set each year?

The school’s administration considers what changes it anticipates for the coming year and estimates what cost (or savings) these changes might have. Generally, the most significant cost increase each year is faculty compensation. In developing the budget, emphasis has been given to increasing faculty compensation. A corresponding budget is produced and presented to the school’s Board of Directors for approval.

Why is there an enrollment fee?

The school has had an enrollment fee from its inception. Its purpose is for parents to make a firm commitment to enroll their child and preserve a place for the coming school year. The school then plans accordingly. Planning and enrolling new students for the new school year would be nearly impossible without such a commitment from parents.

How are funds received through enrollment fees used?

Unlike other fees at the school that have a specific purpose, the enrollment fee is used to fund the general operations of the school in the same way tuition is used.

Why doesn’t the enrollment fee “count toward” my tuition?

Enrollment fees, by definition, are not part of tuition. Some schools do not have a separate enrollment fee but require a non-refundable deposit toward tuition that serves the same purpose as an enrollment fee. There is no practical difference between the two systems. Many schools have converted to an “enrollment fee” model, at which point it increases the total cost of an education, because it is in addition to routine tuition increases. Oakwood has never increased the enrollment fee, but it is added to tuition when calculating total cost for students and year-to-year tuition increases.

Are there other costs in addition to tuition and the enrollment fee?

Yes. Most miscellaneous middle and high school fees are consolidated into a single annual book/activity fee to cover the costs of textbooks, yearbooks, sports, promotion/graduation, and some student activities. This non-refundable fee is due before school starts in August of each year. The cost of some elective classes and other activities are not included in this fee. Elementary students may have costs associated with their annual play. For 4th through 8th Grades, each student will have the opportunity to participate in one major field trip nearly every year. High school students also have the chance to participate in international field trips. Field trip costs vary from year-to-year and from grade-to-grade. Late fees also apply to any tuition or fees that are not paid by their due date.

How does Oakwood’s tuition compare to other independent schools?

Oakwood’s tuition is amongst the most affordable of Bay Area independent schools. It is also below state and national averages for independent school tuition. 

Why is the annual enrollment contract important to read and understand?

Parents who enroll or re-enroll their child(ren) at Oakwood recognize that they are making certain commitments to the school, including monetary obligations. Parents should read and understand the permissions, obligations, and commitments that they are making when they sign the annual enrollment contract.

How are overnight field trip costs determined?

Beginning in 4th Grade, students participate in one major field trip nearly every year. Field trip costs vary from year-to-year and from grade-to-grade. Each year the trip leader works with the principal to determine if there will be any changes to the trip and then proceeds to assemble a budget. Program fees, transportation, and chaperone compensation for the entire trip are calculated. Approximately 5% is added for miscellaneous and contingent expenses. This amount is then divided by the number of students the school is confident will attend the trip. This number is usually then rounded to the nearest five-dollar increment and presented to the business office for review. The business office then reviews and approves the final budget before the trip information is sent to parents. If the trip costs more than was budgeted, the difference is paid out of the school’s general funds (from tuition). If the trip is under budget, the excess funds go towards paying the school’s general expenses. As a non-profit organization, if the school has any excess funds at the end of the school year, they are all reinvested in the school.

How is the amount of the book and activity fee determined?

The book and activity fee is intended to cover the costs of core textbooks, yearbook, sports, graduation, and some student activities (such as the Oakwood Adventure). These expenses are calculated and set separately for middle school and high school. The school does not currently charge a book and activity fee in the lower school. All of the costs covered under this fee are added, an estimation of expected incremental increases is made, the sum divided by the estimated number of students who will pay the fee, and then the fee is set. All enrolled middle school and high school students pay this fee without exception. Because of the timing of when the fees are set versus when cost information is available, previous year’s figures are used to set next year’s fee. This fee rarely covers the incurred expenses.