Tuition and Financial Assistance

Riverbend is deeply committed to making tuition affordable for families choosing our exceptional Montessori environment. We understand the commitment an independent school education requires, and we’re actively working to make Montessori school tuition more affordable and accessible for a diverse range of families.

For Kindergarten through 8th grade students, we offer Individualized Family Tuition to meet the specific financial needs of each family. At the Toddler through Pre-K level, our tuition is competitively priced to provide great value as our youngest students experience the benefits of Montessori education in a small class setting five days a week.

Visit Riverbend

The Value of a Small School

Montessori education at Riverbend is a specialized experience that simply can’t be found at other schools. Individualized attention, multi-age classrooms, and unique learning materials bring out the best in each child. Riverbend graduates gain the independence and problem-solving skills needed to excel at many of the finest high schools and universities—and to thrive in a future where critical thinking and ethical leadership matter more than ever.

  • Riverbend has been a game-changer for my daughter and our family. Coming from the public school system where we struggled most days, she now happily goes to school loving her teachers, friends, and freedom to learn in the way that suits her best.

    -Riverbend parent
  • What truly sets Riverbend apart is its ability to understand each child as an individual and provide thoughtfully tailored instruction within the Montessori framework. It is a remarkable community where children are known, supported, and encouraged to thrive.

    -Riverbend parent

2026-2027 Tuition

Depending on a families’ unique financial circumstances, Riverbend tuition for Kindergarten through 8th Grade ranges from $5,000 to $39,900 for the 2026-2027 school year.
Use the tuition calculator below to get an estimate of your family’s tuition. Complete the Clarity financial assistance application to learn your actual Individualized Family Tuition.

Program

Full Tuition Rate

Toddler Half Day (18 mos. to 3 yrs.)

$35,030

Toddler Full Day (18 mos. to 3 yrs.)

$39,990

Primary Half Day (3 yrs. to 4 yrs.)

$29,010

Primary Full Day (3 yrs. to 4 yrs.)

$32,970

Primary 3rd Year (Kindergarten)

$33,650

Lower Elementary (Grades 1 to 3)

$37,230

Upper Elementary (Grades 4 to 6)

$39,100

Middle School (Grades 7 & 8)

$39,990

Tuition Calculator (Kindergarten to Grade 8)

Estimate your student’s K-8 Individualized Family Tuition using this Tuition Calculator. 

Clarity Financial Assistance Application

The tuition range provided by the calculator is an estimate based on preliminary data. Your student’s actual tuition may be higher or lower than this range, depending on the completion of the Clarity application and submission of supporting documents. Other factors, such as expenses and debt, will affect your actual tuition. Please click the button below to complete the Clarity application by February 1 to receive a precise tuition offer from Riverbend.

Complete the Clarity Financial Assistance Application
Riverbend Children's House
Students at Riverbend

Frequently Asked Questions

IFT is Riverbend’s program for determining tuition for families  — a transparent, equitable, and accessible approach that provides K–8 families with a personalized tuition rate based on their financial circumstances. IFT reflects Riverbend’s commitment to affordability, access, and inclusion across the 24 zip codes that make up our school community.

  • Clear: Families know exactly how tuition is determined.
  • Fair: Each family’s contribution reflects their individual financial picture.
  • Aligned with our Mission: We welcome diverse perspectives and socioeconomic backgrounds into our Montessori community.

  1. Families start by using our Tuition Calculator to get an estimated tuition range.
  2. Next, families complete the Clarity application and upload required documentation.
  3. Riverbend then reviews the application and confirms the individualized tuition rate for each child enrolled in K–8.

The Clarity application is designed to be simple and efficient. Most families complete it in under 30 minutes. Clarity’s streamlined platform works easily on both computers and mobile devices. There’s no need to upload tax forms — the system connects securely to your tax data. The application fee is $50 per family. For additional information, please check out this helpful guide.

All K–8 Riverbend families are invited to participate in the Individualized Family Tuition program. If a family chooses not to participate, they simply pay the full program-specific tuition.

No, at this time IFT is only available to families with students in kindergarten through 8th grade. Tuition rates for children in our pre-K programs can be found in the tuition chart above.

Applications are due by the priority admissions deadline of February 1st.  Any applications received after the deadline are subject to separate review and will be evaluated based on the funds that remain available at that time.

IFT is designed to offer predictability and stability. It is reassessed when a student moves from one program to the next (Lower Elementary to Upper Elementary, for example) to reflect updated financial information and program-level tuition changes.

If a family experiences a significant change in financial circumstances, they may also reapply before their next program-level transition.

Each year, Riverbend may make modest adjustments to base tuition to account for factors such as faculty and staff salary increases, cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), and program enhancements.

You can expect reasonable, transparent percentage adjustments year to year—not sudden surprises.

Individualized Family Tuition strengthens our mission by expanding access to Montessori education, fostering a community of diverse perspectives and socioeconomic backgrounds, and reinforcing our shared investment in every child’s growth. Riverbend believes that when families and the school partner together, we create a more inclusive, sustainable community for all.

No. Families at a wide range of income levels may qualify for individualized tuition. Other factors such as household size, number of children in tuition-charging schools, debt, and unusual expenses are also considered.

No. The IFT model is designed to ensure that all students can access the same high-quality educational experience, while maintaining the financial health and sustainability of the school.

Some families’ financial information may indicate that the full tuition rate is the appropriate investment level.

Riverbend’s goal is to ensure that each family’s tuition level is fair, individualized, and reflective of their financial reality, in keeping with our commitment to equity and accessibility.

If you would like more information or you have additional questions about IFT, please contact Lynn Shevory, Director of Enrollment Management.

Find out more about Montessori education at Riverbend School!

Our admissions staff would love to work with you as you decide if Riverbend is the right fit for your child! Our hands-on learning environment inspires curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. Please reach out to our admissions staff by email at admissions@rvbs.org. We’d love to hear from you!

Admissions Events Admissions Process
Students in class