Question 1

What is the tuition?

Accepted Answer

We believe a quality private school education shouldn’t be unaffordable. Therefore, Sora’s full annual tuition is $12,900 a year, which is less than half of the average tuition of private schools in the U.S. We want to ensure Sora’s student body is socioeconomically expansive, and are proud that 48% of Sora’s families utilize Flexible Tuition, a need-based tuition assistance program which uses an application process to take financial circumstances into account and make a Sora education accessible to more students. Families who qualify for Flexible Tuition can expect to pay anywhere from $3,600-$11,500 a year. On average, families participating in the Flexible Tuition program receive a grant of $4,000 annually.

Question 2

What is Flexible Tuition?

Accepted Answer

Flexible Tuition is a need-based tuition assistance program similar to those used by most independent schools. This program allows families to apply for reduced tuition, taking their financial circumstances into account and making a Sora education affordable to qualified students who could not otherwise join our school community. Sora encourages all families to apply for Flexible Tuition if they think they may qualify.

Question 3

Why does Sora offer Flexible Tuition?

Accepted Answer

At Sora, we believe that to prepare students for the real world, our community should mirror that world with a socioeconomically expansive student body. To achieve this goal, Sora is committed to providing Flexible Tuition grants to admissible students whose families qualify.

Question 4

Is my family eligible for Flexible Tuition?

Accepted Answer

There is a wide range of families who qualify, from those who can afford only minimal tuition to those who can afford almost full tuition. We recognize that every family situation is different and that even a small tuition grant can make a big difference for many families. 49% of Sora families receive Flexible Tuition and the average family income of those who receive flexible tuition is $92,000. Sora encourages all families to apply for Flexible Tuition if they need tuition assistance.

Question 5

How is Flexible Tuition granted?

Accepted Answer

To help us objectively calculate what a family can contribute to tuition, families are required to complete an online application through Clarity, which evaluates a family’s ability to pay Sora’s tuition based largely on household income. Additional criteria are used for those who are self-employed or own a business, or if there is a non-working parent whose children are of school age, as well as any extenuating circumstances.

Question 6

How do we apply for Flexible Tuition?

Accepted Answer

The Flexible Tuition application is separate from the admissions application but must be completed at the same time in order to receive consideration for a Flexible Tuition grant. The Flexible Tuition application is available to families on the Clarity website.

Question 7

Who will see my financial information?

Accepted Answer

All financial information is treated as highly confidential. Only the Flexible Tuition Committee will see this information, and only the Committee and Business Office will see the grant. Admissions team members, school staff, faculty, and administrators are not privy to any financial materials, nor are they aware of which families receive a Flexible Tuition grant.

Question 8

When will I be notified if we received Flexible Tuition?

Accepted Answer

Sora Schools shares details about Flexible Tuition grants in the tuition and billing portal simultaneously with an admissions offer and enrollment agreement.

Question 9

When can I expect to receive funding?

Accepted Answer

Different states have different processes for receiving the funding. You can review more information on how to access the funds from a specific state here.

Question 10

Once Flexible Tuition is granted, will the amount be the same year-to-year? Do we need to apply again?

Accepted Answer

Flexible Tuition grants are not guaranteed to remain the same year to year; in fact, they may change as families’ financial circumstances change. Because families may need one level of assistance one year—and more or less the next—all families are required to submit a new Flexible Tuition application every year and meet all stated deadlines. Families who submit late applications may not be considered for Flexible Tuition. Students must remain in good academic, community, and financial standing to qualify for Flexible Tuition.

Question 11

Is there a discount for siblings?

Accepted Answer

Sora Schools does not offer multi-child or sibling discounts. However, Sora’s Flexible Tuition Program does take into account the number of children from a family enrolled in tuition-charging schools. We encourage any family with multiple children for whom paying full tuition is a challenge to apply for Flexible Tuition.

Question 12

Will filing for Flexible Tuition diminish the chances of my child being accepted to Sora?

Accepted Answer

Admission applications and Flexible Tuition applications are reviewed separately, and submitting an application for Flexible Tuition has no bearing on an applicant’s admissibility. In addition, Flexible Tuition applications are confidential. Information is viewed only by the Flexible Tuition Committee, and only the Committee and the Business Office see the Flexible Tuition a family pays. All Flexible Tuition decisions are considered confidential agreements between Sora Schools and the recipient family and should be treated in the same manner for families. Faculty and administrators are not privy to any financial materials, nor are they aware of which families apply for receive Flexible Tuition grants.

Question 13

Do Flexible Tuition grants have to be repaid?

Accepted Answer

No. Unlike loans, our grants never have to be paid back.

Question 14

Are there considerations for families with multiple children who attend tuition-charging schools?

Accepted Answer

The Flexible Tuition Committee uses a methodology that determines what a family might reasonably expect to contribute toward educational expenses. The total amount available from a family for education costs is divided among all children attending tuition-charging schools, through the undergraduate degree level. It is Sora’s policy that a family requesting aid from Sora will also apply for aid at all other tuition-charging schools.

Question 15

Are there accommodations available for significant changes in income?

Accepted Answer

Sora Schools realizes that some families experience unexpected temporary financial stresses due to the sudden loss of a job, family illness, or other circumstances. Families are strongly encouraged to contact the Director of Enrollment Management as soon as it becomes apparent that there is a change in circumstance. We are happy to work with families to develop a temporary payment plan during a time of difficulty or adjust the grant if possible.

Question 16

Are all students who are offered admission also offered Flexible Tuition if their family qualifies?

Accepted Answer

Sora does not have the resources to offer Flexible Tuition to every student who qualifies for both admission and Flexible Tuition. We will not offer a space if we recognize that our Flexible Tuition budget will not meet a family’s Flexible Tuition needs.

Question 17

How does Sora handle Divorced/Separated Parents for Flexible Tuition?

Accepted Answer

In the matter of divorce or separation of parents, the Flexible Tuition Committee will consider the income and assets of both natural parents before providing a grant. If either parent has remarried, we will consider also the income and assets of the stepparent, always bearing in mind the obligation of that stepparent to their own natural children. Given this policy regarding the divorce or separation of parents, the custodial and non-custodial parents each must complete a Flexible Tuition application. It is the responsibility of the custodial parent to ask the non-custodial parent to complete this form. If this information is not provided, the Flexible Tuition Committee will be unable to consider awarding a grant to the student. The non-custodial parent must also submit copies of appropriate tax forms. We recognize that there are situations where a divorced or separated parent is not a participant in the child’s life or the whereabouts of a divorced/separated parent may be unknown. Such situations are treated on a case-by-case basis.

Frequently asked questions