Tuition Assistance

Brightworks is committed to creating a community that is socio-economically diverse.

An independent school education is a big investment for families and some need assistance in affording a Brightworks education for their student. This is a reality that we do not take lightly, and we do our best to make Brightworks accessible for students and families while balancing the needs of our budget as a nonprofit school in San Francisco. 

Tuition for the 2024/2025 school year is $41,853. Tuition includes all school and project supplies, field trips, expert visits, technology, yearbooks, and community meals. Occasionally, there are additional fees associated with larger trips like overnight camping excursions, though no one is refused involvement due to lack of funds; it is vital to our program that all students are able to participate in activities, regardless of financial ability. After care comes with an additional fee with additional tuition assistance available.

We are dedicated to providing tuition assistance to families with demonstrated inability to pay for full tuition and currently assist 47% of our families with grants ranging from 10%-100% off the total tuition.

Brightworks offers a ten-payment plan for families that is attached to a tuition refund plan (also known as tuition insurance) that protects tuition commitments against unforeseen circumstances that result in students leaving school before the end of the year. 

We encourage families that need assistance to fill out the Financial Aid Application via the third-party platform, Clarity, which helps us assess families’ ability to pay for tuition. The system analyzes the numerical information that families submit and recommends total payment for tuition. The tuition assistance committee then works with the admissions team to determine the final tuition grant for each family based on this initial recommendation, taking into account the school budget, a family’s demonstrated need, and external factors like cost of living and special circumstances. 

Tuition decisions are made by our Tuition Assistance Committee. This committee treats each family’s application with respect, confidentiality, and thoroughness.

Families are asked to reapply for tuition assistance every school year to take into account any changes that may have occurred in a family’s finances so that the school can allocate budget appropriately. In most cases, student tuition remains close to the same level, adjusting for annual tuition increases. However, aid amounts may change more significantly year-to-year, reflecting a dramatic change in a family’s financial circumstances.

Returning families are informed of their tuition assistance amount in the winter and re-enrollment contracts are sent in mid-February each year. New families receive tuition assistance grants in their welcome letters, which are sent out in mid-March. 

We encourage lower-income families applying to private school for the first time to apply for tuition funding through the BASIC fund. Please visit their website for more information.

Please reach out to us at tuition@sfbrightworks.org with any questions.

 Brightworks Tuition Assistance FAQ’s

We are excited to introduce Clarity, our new tool for tuition assistance applications at Brightworks. Based on feedback from our families, this platform is faster, easier to use, and designed to streamline the entire process.

Below you’ll find answers to some common questions about applying for tuition assistance at Brightworks.

FAQ’s from Clarity

1. What is Clarity?

Clarity is the new platform we are using for tuition assistance applications at Brightworks. It is designed to be user-friendly, making the application process smoother and faster for families. Clarity helps ensure that tuition assistance is distributed equitably based on demonstrated need.

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. In fact, we have had over 400 families attend a single webinar and we've stayed on to answer over 200 questions in some cases. Typically these will run for about 60 minutes but we will remain live longer if there are lots of questions from parents. If you sign up, but are unable to attend the webinar, Clarity will make the recording available to you after the webinar.

Registration links for each date:

Oct 28 -  6:30pm Eastern Time
Oct 29 - 7pm Pacific Time
Dec 10 - 5:30pm Pacific Time

2. Who is eligible for tuition assistance?

Tuition assistance is available to all current and prospective Brightworks families who demonstrate financial need. We aim to make a Brightworks education accessible to as many families as possible, and assistance is awarded based on the information provided through Clarity.

3. How do I apply for tuition assistance using Clarity?

Applying through Clarity is simple! Here are the steps:

  1. Log in to your Clarity account (you’ll receive a link and instructions via email).

  2. Complete your family profile, which includes your household income, expenses, and other financial details.

  3. Submit your application before the deadline (November 1 for current families and January 21 for new families).

Once submitted, Clarity will process your information, and our TA committee will review your application.

4. What documents will I need to complete the application?

To ensure a smooth application process, Clarity pulls your documents directly from the IRS so that you do not need to submit them. You will need to:

  • Provide estimates of your household income for 2024 (wages, interest/returns, etc). Documentation not required. 

  • Estimates of your monthly household expenses (food, housing, bills, etc). Documentation not required. 

  • Any other financial documents that might be relevant to demonstrating your family’s situation. 

Clarity will guide you through the document upload process and let you know if additional information is needed.  See the step by step guide from Clarity

5. How is tuition assistance determined?

Tuition assistance is awarded based on demonstrated financial need. Clarity evaluates your family's financial situation based on income, expenses, family size, and other factors to provide a fair assessment. Our goal is to distribute our tuition assistance budget equitably based on family need. 

6. When is the deadline to apply?

We ask current BWX families to submit their tuition assistance applications through Clarity by November 1, 2024. This is necessary for us to get you information on the assistance available next year before you sign your enrollment agreement. 

Families applying to join the Brightworks community for the first time must submit their Tuition Assistance Application before 1/21/25.

7. Can I apply after the deadline?

While we encourage families to submit applications by the deadline to ensure timely review, we understand that circumstances may arise. If you need additional time, please contact our team as soon as possible to discuss your situation.

8. What if I experience technical difficulties while using Clarity?

If you encounter any issues with Clarity during the application process, our support team is here to help. You can reach out to us via:

Additionally, we will offer virtual office hours and support sessions for families who would like one-on-one support.

9. How will I know if I’ve received tuition assistance?

We aim to notify returning families by the end of 2024, and new families will be notified 3/20/2025 with their admissions decision.

10. Will my financial information remain confidential?

Yes, all financial information you provide through Clarity is treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Only authorized Brightworks staff involved in the tuition assistance process will have access to your information.

11. Can I re-apply for tuition assistance each year?

Yes, families are required to re-apply for tuition assistance each school year as financial circumstances may change. Clarity will make reapplying simple by saving your previous application details, making updates easier for subsequent years.

12. Who can I contact if I have more questions?

If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re here to help guide you through the process.

  • Email: tuition@brightworks.org

  • Office Hours: We’ll be holding virtual office hours for families needing extra assistance on an as needed basis—please reach out to sign up!

We are excited to make this process easier and more accessible for our families. Thank you for partnering with us to ensure equitable access to a Brightworks education.