Tuition
We know that choosing the right Christian education for your child is both a spiritual and financial decision. Below you’ll find answers to common questions about WCA’s tuition, payment options, and financial aid.
General Tuition & Payment Questions
Tuition rates for the 2026–2027 school year
- Lower School (K–5): $15,748
- Middle School (6–8): $18,781
- High School (9–12): $20,480
Note: These rates reflect the proposed 2026-2027 tuition rates that are pending approval from the Board.
Families do need to purchase some books (not textbooks) and their student’s school uniforms. Lunch, childcare and transportation fees are not included in the tuition.
Families are required to register for a FACTS account to manage payments conveniently and securely. FACTS Management.
Payment Plan Options:
WCA offers three flexible payment options:
Annual Payment
- One payment due in full on June 1.
- Families may choose to opt out of the Guaranteed Tuition Obligation (GTO) Plan.
Semi-Annual Payment
- Two payments due on June 1 and December 1.
- Families may also choose to opt out of the GTO Plan.
Monthly Payment
- Twelve monthly payments from June through May.
- Participation in the GTO Plan is required for this option.
- A 2.5% fee of published (gross) tuition applies to families using this plan.
Priority Admission & Enrollment Incentives for New Families
Families who submit their admission and tuition assistance applications by January 18th will be considered for Priority Admission. Application will remain open throughout the year.
- Families who enroll by March 1st will have $400 of the $650 enrollment fee applied toward their first month’s tuition.
Applying early ensures first consideration for available seats and access to these enrollment benefits.
For questions, contact the Admissions Office at admissions@washingtonchristian.org.
Continuous Enrollment and Info for Returning Families
With Continuous Enrollment, your child’s place at WCA is secure year after year—no need to reapply or reenroll—simply let us know by the withdrawal deadline if your plans change.
Returning Families: Important Dates
- January 25 – Deadline for financial aid application
- February 13 – Award letters/emails sent
- February 20 – Last day to accept award or contact us with questions
- February 28 – Last day to withdraw without financial obligation for next year
- March 5 – FACTS charges $150 re-enrollment fee per family
- April 1 – GTO fee charged for 26–27 school year
- June 1 – First tuition payment due for 26–27 school year
apply for Financial Aid
Using 529 Savings Plans for K–12 Tuition
Did you know that your 529 College Savings Plan can also be used to pay for elementary and secondary school tuition at Washington Christian Academy?
Thanks to the 2017 Federal Tax Reform Law, families can now use funds from their 529 Plans to cover up to $10,000 per year, per child for qualified K–12 tuition expenses. This expansion gives parents an additional, tax-advantaged way to invest in their child’s education — not just for college, but for their time at WCA as well.
Please note:
- While the federal law allows for tax-free withdrawals for K–12 tuition, state tax treatment may vary. We recommend consulting your financial advisor to understand how this applies in your state.
- The Maryland 529 Plan does not issue checks directly to schools. Payments are made to the account holder, who then submits payment to Washington Christian Academy. Families are responsible for keeping their own payment records for tax purposes.
If you have questions about using your 529 Plan for WCA tuition, please contact our Business Office at
📧 businessoffice@washingtonchristian.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there discounts for paying tuition in full?
Do you offer a sibling discount?
WCA does not offer a sibling discount.
However, family size is taken into account when FACTS calculates need-based financial aid, ensuring that larger families are fairly considered.
What is the Guaranteed Tuition Obligation (GTO) Plan?
The GTO Plan protects both families and the school if a student withdraws mid-year.
By signing the enrollment contract, families agree to pay full tuition for the year, even if the student does not complete it.
- Fee: 2.5% of published gross tuition
- For Monthly Payments: Mandatory participation; fee due April 1 or at enrollment (for new families).
- For Annual/Semi-Annual Payments: Optional participation; families are automatically enrolled unless they opt out by March 31 or at the time of enrollment.
- If you opt out and a payment is returned, you’ll be re-enrolled automatically and the fee will be due immediately.
How is tuition calculated if my child withdraws early?
Tuition is divided into 12 equal monthly portions (May–April).
If a student withdraws, the family owes:
- Tuition from May 1 through the month of withdrawal, plus two additional months.
- Any unpaid tuition becomes due immediately.
- If payments exceed what’s owed, the excess is applied to siblings’ tuition or refunded if no siblings are enrolled.
Withdrawal Obligations
- Withdraw in March – Owe 1 month of tuition
- Withdraw in April – Owe GTO fee + 2 months of tuition
- Withdraw in May – Owe GTO fee + 3 months of tuition
How do I apply for financial aid?
All financial aid applications are processed through FACTS.
Apply online at: https://online.factsmgt.com/SignIn.aspx
What are the deadlines for financial aid?
(For returning families)
- January 25 – Application deadline
- February 13 – Award letters/emails sent
- February 20 – Last day to accept award or contact the Admissions Office with questions.
Dates for new families may vary — please contact the Admissions Office for details.
How much financial aid can I receive?
- Aid is awarded based on need, as determined by FACTS.
- Typically, awards do not exceed 50% of total tuition unless there are exceptional circumstances.
- The school’s total financial aid fund will not exceed 20% of total tuition revenue for the year.
Who reviews financial aid applications?
A confidential committee reviews all applications:
- Two members of WCA’s Board Finance Committee
- The Director of Admissions and Marketing
How does WCA determine financial aid awards?
WCA follows FACTS recommendations closely to ensure fairness and consistency.
We also consider any extenuating circumstances that may not appear in the FACTS report.
Can I receive financial aid if I’m on the Monthly Payment Plan?
Yes. Financial aid is available for all payment plan types — Annual, Semi-Annual, and Monthly.
Are financial aid awards renewable?
No. Financial aid is awarded annually. Families must reapply each year through FACTS.
Do you participate in BOOST?
Washington Christian Academy proudly participates in the Maryland BOOST Scholarship Program (Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today). This state-funded, needs-based program helps make private education more accessible for qualifying families.
Families interested in BOOST must apply separately through the State of Maryland. Apply here: https://marylandpublicschools.org/Pages/boost/index.aspx.
If you are a current BOOST recipient, please remember to reapply each year to renew your scholarship. The State gives priority to current recipients and their siblings when awarding funds.
When a BOOST scholarship is awarded, WCA will adjust your billing to reflect the scholarship amount once official notification is received.
For questions about how BOOST impacts your tuition or financial aid package, please contact our Business Office at businessoffice@washingtonchristian.org.
Have More Questions?
Our Admissions Team is here to help you navigate tuition and financial aid options.
Email: admissions@washingtonchristian.org
For questions about your current tuition payments: please contact businessoffice@washingtonchristian.org.