Tuition & Financial Aid
A Lamplighter education is the investment of a lifetime.
Every day at Lamplighter, students explore the wonders of nature, collaborate with friends in hands-on learning, and gain the knowledge and skills to become critical and empathetic thinkers.
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Tuition Schedule
Tuition for the 2025-2026 school year is outlined below. Tuition for the full-day program is consistent across all grade levels.
| Class/Grade | Tuition Deposit* | Balance | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Kindergarten (Half Day) | $1,500 | $16,430 | $17,930 |
|
Pre-Kindergarten (Full Day), Kindergarten, Transitional First, and First - Fourth Grades |
$1,500 | $30,712 | $32,212 |
There is a one-time new student fee of $1,000 for students new to Lamplighter.
*Lamplighter’s annual tuition does not include any hidden fees. The only additional expense is an annual charge of $130/family for Lamplighter Parents’ Association (LPA) dues.
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Tuition Payment Plans
Families have four payment options for fulfilling their child’s tuition commitment:
| Payment Plan | Due Date |
|---|---|
| 10 installments | April - January (monthly) |
|
9 installments |
May - January (monthly) |
| 8 installments | June - January (monthly) |
| Pay in full | June 5 (one-time payment) |
Participation in the Tuition Refund Plan is required for all families who choose an installment plan. The Lamplighter School’s Tuition Refund Plan is administered by A.W.G. Dewar Insurance Agency. Learn more here.
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Tuition Assistance
The Lamplighter School’s tuition assistance program is designed to support families in meeting their child’s total educational expenses. We offer need-based tuition assistance through our financial aid program. Financial aid is not a factor considered in admission decisions. Lamplighter's financial aid program is:
- Awarded to students in all grade levels, Pre-K through fourth grade.
- Based on demonstrated need via a third party, Blackbaud Financial Aid Management, using a standard method of computation used by independent schools nationwide.
- Awarded to families across various income levels.
- Awarded to 81 - 89% of families who apply each year.
For the 2025-2026 school year:
- Financial aid awards range from $2,000 – $26,000.
- The median income of a family receiving financial aid is approximately $220,000.
Average Grant by Family Income Level
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How to Apply for Financial Aid
Applications for financial aid for the 2026-2027 school year for applicant students are open through Thursday, February 12, 2026. Please see below for instructions on the financial aid process for applicant students and current students.
Learn More
For more information or questions about financial aid, please contact Kemberly Merritt, Chief Financial Officer, at 214-369-9201, x344, or kmerritt@thelamplighterschool.org.