Tuition & Affordability
What does your tuition include?
- Low student-teacher ratios to allow for more individualized attention, including two Montessori-certified lead teachers per classroom in the elementary program
- Beautiful classrooms equipped with Montessori materials and state-of-the-art technology
- Free parent education programs like our webinar series, information mornings, the Journey and periodic guest speakers
- Access to our beautiful 25-acre campus
- Use of resources in our Learning Commons, including an assortment of books and STEAM materials available for check-out
- Weekly enrichment programs including STEAM and music for toddlers, with the addition of Spanish, art and physical education for Primary, Elementary and Middle School students
- And so much more!
Financial Aid Information
About Financial Aid at WMS
In order to allocate our resources wisely and fairly, Wilmington Montessori School has enlisted the help of Independent School Management's FAST (Financial Aid for School Tuition) program. FAST does not decide whether financial assistance will be given or how much to give; it provides a need-based financial aid analysis service. FAST provides WMS with a report, which includes a recommendation of what a family should reasonably contribute toward tuition. All information from FAST is kept confidential. The analysis is then reviewed by the confidential Financial Aid Committee, which determines the final allocation of financial aid resources for the next school year. Upon approval by the committee, financial aid offers are sent to families.
The Financial Aid Committee considers a number of factors including, but not limited to, the following:
- Each family’s overall financial circumstances, including adjusted gross income, assets, indebtedness and discretionary expenses
- Demonstrated financial need
- Ability to make commitments to families, not simply to individual students
- The school's enrollment goals
- Families currently enrolled at WMS will be prioritized.
Financial Aid Application Process
Financial aid grants are made for one year only, and therefore, you must re-apply each school year.
Note: Financial aid applications will not be reviewed until after the student has applied to WMS and been accepted. Apply to WMS.
Step 1:
Click the FAST logo on the right to start the process:
The application process is self-guided. You may navigate in and out of the program, allowing you to partially complete an application and go back to it at another time. Online email support and a 24/7 helpline are available to assist you through FAST, and a Parent Guide is available to help you gather information for your application. There is a charge for the application, to be paid by credit card upon completion of the session.
Step 2:
After completing the application, you will be required to mail your 2017 Tax Returns (both State and Federal) with all schedules and W-2s to:
FAST Processing
ISM
1316 North Union Street
Wilmington, DE 19806-2594
Please write "Wilmington Montessori School" on the outside of the envelope to ensure faster processing of your application. Your application will not be considered until we receive your tax returns.
Purchase of Care (POC)
WMS also accepts Purchase of Care (POC). Delaware’s POC program is a subsidy that supports early childhood and after-school education and care for more than 15,000 children from birth through age 12 who live within 200% of the Federal Poverty Limits. To learn more or apply for POC, please contact the Division of Social Services office.
Note: No POC spaces are currently available for WMS's school program. If you wish to apply, please contact our admissions team, and you will be notified if space becomes available. POC slots are still available for our Extended Day programs.
2018-19 Tuition by Program
Toddler
Ages 12 months - 3 years
| 3 half days (9 a.m. - noon) | $7,540 |
| 3 full days (9 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.) | $11,570 |
| 5 half days (9 a.m. – noon) | $11,570 |
| 5 full days (9 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.) | $17,850 |
| Year-round (12-month) Toddler Program: Tuition includes summer classroom 2019, before/after-care and all child-care days. 5 full days year-round (7 a.m. – 6 p.m.) * |
$25,995 |
* For details on the 12-month program, please contact Nancy Oddo, Business Manager.
Primary
Ages 3-6 - including kindergarten
| 3 half days (8:45 a.m. – noon) | $7,255 |
| 3 full days (8:45 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.) | $11,170 |
| 5 half days (8:45 a.m. – noon) | $11,170 |
| 5 full days (8:45 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.) | $15,975 |
| Kindergarten (8:45 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.) | $17,120 |
| Year-round (12-month) Primary (Years 1 & 2) Tuition includes Camp Montessori 2019, before/after-care and all child-care days. 5 full days year-round (7 a.m. - 6 p.m.)* |
$24,475 |
| Year-round (12-month) Kindergarten Tuition includes Camp Montessori 2019, before/after-care (7 a.m. – 6 p.m.)and all child-care days. 5 full days year-round (7 a.m. - 6 p.m.)* |
$25,695 |
* For details on 12-month programs, please contact Nancy Oddo, Business Manager.
Elementary
Middle School
Ages 6-9 (Lower Elementary) and 9-12 (Upper Elementary)
| 1st – 6th grade (8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.) | $18,685 |
| Year-round (12-month) Lower Elementary Tuition includes Camp Montessori 2019, before/after-care (7 a.m. - 6 p.m.) and all child-care days year-round* |
$27,250 |
| Year-round (12-month) Upper Elementary Tuition includes Camp Montessori 2019, before/after-care (7 a.m. - 6 p.m.) and all child-care days year-round* |
$27,500 |
* For details on 12-month programs, please contact Nancy Oddo, Business Manager.
Extended Day Tuition*
| Before-school child care | $795-$1,310 |
| After-school child care | $1,436-$3,536 |
| Drop-in child care/Late pick-up | $25-$55 |
*Pricing varies by age group, time and number of days per week. Contact Nancy Oddo, Business Manager, for more information.
Tuition Payment Plans
Plan 1
Plan 2
Tuition balance paid in two equal payments due June 30, 2018 and January 2, 2019.
(Contact Nancy Oddo for more information on Plan 2 and associated administrative fees.)
Plan 3
Tuition balance paid in 10 equal monthly payments** (July 2018 through April 2019). All Plan 3 participants are required to submit an E-Pay Form.
(Contact Nancy Oddo for more information on Plan 3 and associated administrative fees.)