Tuition & Fees
At Dawn Treader Academy, our goal is to make Christ-centered education accessible for families. We structure our tuition with ESA funding in mind and keep costs predictable. Below you'll find our tuition rates, ESA guidance, and financial policies.
2026–2027 Tuition Rates
Dawn Treader Academy’s tuition structure is designed with ESA funding in mind, while supporting a sustainable, high‑quality Christian education. Tuition increases modestly by grade band to reflect the additional academic resources, curriculum costs, and extracurricular opportunities, including athletics, available to older students.
Grade Band | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|
Kindergarten | $6,500 |
Grades 1-5 | $7,500 |
Grades 6-8 | $8,000 |
Grades 9-12 | $9,000 |
Tuition includes core academic instruction, curriculum, and standard school activities. Some optional programs (athletics, clubs, field trips, and special events) may carry additional fees.
Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA)
Most Dawn Treader Academy families choose Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program to help cover tuition. ESA provides state education funding directly to families, allowing them to select the school that best fits their children. ESA often covers most, though not always all, of tuition; Kindergarten awards tend to be lower, so families at that grade level should expect a larger gap.
How ESA Works
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Families apply through the Arizona Department of Education
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Once approved, ESA funds are deposited into the family's ClassWallet account.
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Families use those funds to pay tuition and approved educational expenses.
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ESA awards vary based on grade level, home district, and student circumstances
Using ESA at Dawn Treader Academy
Families may use ESA to pay tuition, fees, curriculum, and other eligible educational costs. Dawn Treader Academy accepts ESA payments through ClassWallet and can provide guidance/instructions for families on how to use it.
Who Qualifies?
Most Arizona families qualify for ESA under current state guidelines. The application is free and can be completed online through the Arizona Department of Education's ESA portal.
Scholarships & Financial Assistance
Dawn Treader Academy is committed to partnering with families who desire a Christ‑centered education. While most families use ESA to cover tuition, we understand that circumstances vary, and some families may need additional support.
School-Based Assistance
The school offers limited, mission‑based assistance for families experiencing financial hardship. Requests are reviewed individually and awarded based on need and available resources. Assistance is not guaranteed and may vary from year to year.
External Scholarships
Some families may be eligible for scholarships through outside organizations, such as Student Tuition Organizations (STOs). These programs operate independently of Dawn Treader Academy. As we continue to grow, we will evaluate which external scholarship programs we are able to accept.
How to Request Assistance
Families seeking help can contact the school office to discuss available options. We aim to support families while maintaining financial sustainability for the school.
Payment Policies
Dawn Treader Academy aims to make tuition clear, predictable, and aligned with the needs of families. The following policies outline how tuition and fees are billed and collected.
Billing Schedule
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ESA Families: Tuition is billed quarterly, aligned with ESA's quarterly disbursements
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Private-Pay Families: Tuition is paid in monthly installments
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Families may choose to pay the full year's tuition upfront if preferred
Payment Methods
We accept the following payment methods:
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ESA payments through ClassWallet
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ACH/bank transfer
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Check
Enrollment Fee
A non-refundable Enrollment Fee is required to secure a student's place and begin the onboarding process.
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$349 Standard Enrollment Fee
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Per family
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Invoiced upon acceptance
This fee helps cover essential operational costs, such as facility usage and administrative systems, throughout the year.
Late Payments
To ensure financial stability and fairness for all families:
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Late ESA payments: $75 fee
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Late private-pay monthly payments: $35 fee
Accounts must remain current. Delinquent accounts may affect enrollment or access to student records.
Refunds & Withdrawal
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Enrollment fees are non-refundable
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Tuition is billed quarterly. Once a student attends any portion of a quarter, that quarter's tuition is non-refundable.
Founding Family Tuition Guarantee
Families who enroll during Dawn Treader Academy's founding year play a unique role in establishing the culture, mission, and community of our school. To honor that commitment, all Founding Families who remain continuously enrolled and in good financial standing will retain our Founding Tuition Rates for as long as their children attend Dawn Treader Academy (including children who join later).
This guarantee provides long-term stability and recognizes the families who helped launch our school.
Learn more about the Founding Family Tuition Guarantee →