Enrolling your child at TMA is an investment in excellence. Tuition and fees, along with the generosity of our donors, are what fund the operating expenses of TMA. We work diligently to keep tuition as low as possible and maintain a vibrant tuition assistance program, balanced with the necessity of attracting and retaining the best faculty and staff, while also providing the most beautiful and conducive environment through which students can thrive.

The Montessori Academy is committed to maintaining an ethnically and economically diverse student body. We believe that diversity is essential in creating a strong and healthy school community. Applications for tuition assistance are considered confidentially and separately from admissions. 

Tuition assistance is available to both new and returning families for the Early Childhood, Elementary and Junior High programs based on need. The Toddler program is not eligible for Tuition Assistance.

The maximum amount of assistance awarded, for those who qualify, is 75% of tuition costs.  Assistance is awarded as needs warrant and funds permit. TMA works in conjunction with FACTS Grant & Aid, a third party tuition management service that works with thousands of schools around the country. Assistance is determined based on a family’s total financial picture, which includes income and expenses, as well as assets, such as savings accounts, investments, home equity and real estate, and liabilities, such as mortgages, and medical bills.

Families must re-apply for tuition assistance each school year with updated financial and family information.  Assistance cannot be granted unless all outstanding financial obligations for the current school year have been paid in full.


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TUITION ASSISTANCE FAQs

Q.  What is Tuition Assistance at The Montessori Academy Edison Lakes (TMA)?
A.  Tuition Assistance at TMA is a need-based program intended to make a Montessori education accessible, affordable, and attainable for qualifying families and their students.

Q.  How do I know if I will be eligible for Tuition Assistance?
A.  Never assume that you will not be eligible!  You will not know if you are eligible until after you apply. Many families qualify even if they think they may not. The cost to apply is a non-refundable amount of $40.00.
 
Q.  How do I apply for Tuition Assistance?
A.  The completed enrollment contract, Family Information form, Tuition Assistance contract amendment and a $250/child tuition deposit must be submitted to TMA's office before an application for Tuition Assistance is considered. Once your enrollment contract has been received, you will need to complete an on-line application for Tuition Assistance with copies of required tax return documents for the previous year and submit a detailed on-line application to FACTS Grant & Aid.
 
Q.  How do you determine if I qualify?
A.  TMA uses an external service (FACTS Grant & Aid) to take your information and process it.  This is a confidential service that makes sure all applicants are given fair and unbiased consideration. Your income and expenses are the primary basis on which a need is determined, as well as the Mission, program, and enrollment needs of TMA.
 
Q. Am I required to pay it back?
A.  No. Tuition Assistance is gifted to you and your family and is not a loan.
 
Q.  What do you do with this information and how does that help you decide what we receive?
A.  TMA's Tuition Assistance Committee uses the information on your application to determine what you are qualified to receive. Awards are based on the determined need of the family – not to exceed 75% of the total tuition cost.
 
Q.  Who is on the Tuition Assistance Committee?
A.  The Tuition Assistance committee is comprised of the Head of School; the Finance Director; and one non-parent, non-board member.
 
Q.  Who knows that I am applying for Tuition Assistance?
A.  The Tuition Assistance program is confidential. The Finance Director is the only contact between the school and families requesting Tuition Assistance. Your application is assigned a number and is referenced by that number.
 
Q.  Will I get the $250 tuition deposit back if I do not qualify for Tuition Assistance?
A.  Yes. In the circumstance that you do not qualify for Tuition Assistance and choose not to enroll your student, the full deposit will be returned to you. If you are awarded Tuition Assistance, the $250 deposit will be applied toward your tuition cost.
 
Q.  How long will the Tuition Assistance process take?
A.  The process takes approximately 2 weeks after receipt of the completed enrollment. The more quickly the enrollment process is completed, the faster the Tuition Assistance process can begin.
“Best private school in the South Bend/Mishawaka/Granger area! Our 8 year old son and 3 year old daughter both truly enjoy going to school everyday. My initial concern when considering a Montessori school was it's lack of structure and lack of tangible grading, but The Montessori Academy actually does have a good deal of structure and testing to make sure each student is excelling (what their alumni have gone on to accomplish sold me on Montessori).

​The tuition is a little pricey, but I look at it as an investment in my children's future. I have seen that the teachers genuinely care for their students’ well-being and success both with my preschool daughter and my third grade son. The qualities I have seen focused on are leadership, self-confidence, diversity, compassion/service, teamwork, and conflict resolution. We evaluated several other top private schools in the area and are 100% satisfied that The Montessori Academy is the best choice for our children.”
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