As an independent, not-for-profit organization, Morgan Park Academy is funded primarily by tuition and fees, which are used to finance operating costs such as school programs, faculty and staff salaries, and maintenance of our facilities.
We are committed to inclusion as an essential part of our educational philosophy and school culture. Economic diversity enriches the educational opportunity for all families and participation of a wide range of families is critical to the health of our school.
Accordingly, the MPA community includes some families who can afford full tuition and also provide generous philanthropic donations; other families who make substantial sacrifices to pay full tuition; and others who are able to afford only minimal tuition. MPA families fall across the economic spectrum.
We are able to offer financial aid based on the school’s operating budget and philanthropic gifts.
Learn more about scholarship opportunities
Tuition 2027-28
PK3 and JK4 — $11,500
Grades K-8 — $14,500
Grades 9-12 — $18,200
Admissions and Financial Aid
In keeping with the principles of good practice upheld by ISACS and NAIS, Morgan Park Academy conducts the admissions decision and the financial aid decision as two separate and independent processes.
Enrollment Deposits and Matriculation Fee
New and returning families are required to submit a $500 enrollment deposit at the time an enrollment contract is signed. New student contracts also include a one-time matriculation fee of $500.
Financial Aid Application Process
Families applying for financial aid are required to submit a FACTS application and pay the associated application fee (amount determined by FACTS). FACTS is a third-party organization that provides the MPA Financial Aid Committee with an objective assessment of each family’s financial capacity to contribute toward tuition and school fees.
Scope of Financial Aid
MPA financial aid applies to tuition only and does not cover lunch, before- or after-school care, club fees, or athletic fees. (Please note that many clubs and activities do not require an additional fee.) All families receiving financial aid, like all MPA families, are encouraged to support the Annual Fund at a level that is meaningful and manageable for them.
Contact Us
Scott Sowinski, Ed.D.
Director of Strategic Enrollment and Market Development
ssowinski@morganparkacademy.org
773-881-6700
Yvonne Armstrong
Director of Enrollment Management
yarmstrong@morganparkacademy.org
773-881-6707
Financial Aid
We encourage families to apply for financial aid if they have concerns about their ability to afford tuition at the highest level. While we require each family to contribute to the cost of operating our school and expect them to support our community to the extent that individual circumstances allow, we do not expect each family to be the same.
The formula used to calculate a student’s tuition level is complex and considers many factors that affect a family’s ability to pay. Morgan Park Academy uses FACTS Financial Assistance system to assist in collecting relevant income information to determine tuition levels.
To be considered for financial aid, families must furnish detailed financial information by filling out a complete FACTS Application for Financial Assistance. This requires submitting a copy the IRS Form 1040 for last year and W-2 forms for the past two years. The Academy will not determine the tuition level until all information is verified by FACTS. We reserve the right to modify the financial aid if information submitted on the Financial Assistance Application is significantly different from that on the IRS Form 1040. All families’ financial information is kept strictly confidential.
Please note that the time frame for determination of financial aid moves quickly. Current federal tax returns must be submitted very early, preferably in January or February, before contracts are due for returning families, in order for a financial aid determination to accompany notification of admission or re-enrollment.
We make admission decisions independently of the determination of financial aid level; however, unfortunately we are not able to support financial aid for all students who qualify. Historically, our budget for financial aid has been more than $2 million, but each year varies somewhat, and it is crucial to remember that once our annual budget is expended, we cannot offer additional financial aid.
Additional Expenses
Families should also be mindful of various required and optional additional expenses throughout the school year, including books and academic supplies, school uniforms, bus transportation, After & Before Care, school lunch and/or breakfast program, field trips, additional enrichment classes, Advanced Placement exam fees, Global Week (for Upper School students), sports fees (various according to sport and grade level), extracurricular club conferences (e.g., Model UN, math team), yearbook purchase, etc.
Other fees might arise; prior notice will be provided for all extras, with payment due immediately.
Payment Plans
Payment in Full — Tuition is due in full by June 1 before the start of the school year.
Quarterly Payments — Tuition is paid in four quarterly installments (June, September, December, March).
Monthly Payments — Tuition is paid in monthly installments. In order to have 12 monthly payments, payments must start in in June before the start of the school year and continue on a monthly basis through May of the following year. All plans must be completed (paid in full) by May. Payments are due on the 5th or 20th of each month as per the FACTS agreement.
